Civil society organisations (CSOs) have urged residents of Osun State to come out and exercise their franchise peacefully while taking steps to protect their votes during Saturday’s governorship election.
The groups also called on voters to reject intimidation, violence and vote buying, warning that such practices could undermine the credibility of the poll.
The appeal comes amid growing concerns over political violence and intimidation in parts of the state ahead of the August 15 election.
The Osun Election Civil Society Observers’ Coordination Group said all stakeholders must work together to safeguard the democratic process and ensure that voters are able to freely choose their preferred candidates without fear.
The organisation urged residents not to be deterred by threats or political pressure, stressing that the ballot belongs to the people and should be protected throughout the electoral process.
It also called on security agencies to remain professional, impartial and vigilant, particularly at polling units where tensions could arise.
The call followed a series of concerns raised by election observers and other stakeholders over possible violence, vote buying and voter intimidation ahead of the poll.
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), for instance, has warned of growing threats linked to electoral violence, political intimidation and vote buying in the state.
Similarly, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) urged registered voters to turn out in large numbers, exercise their civic responsibility and refuse attempts to intimidate them or buy their votes.
“Your PVC is your power to determine who governs you for the next four years,” IPAC said.
Authorities have also announced heightened security arrangements across the state, while the Inspector-General of Police has barred state-established security outfits and other unauthorised groups from participating in election-security duties.
President Bola Tinubu has separately urged Osun residents to vote for candidates of their choice without fear, assuring them that adequate security measures have been put in place.
With the election scheduled for Saturday, stakeholders are now calling for restraint from political parties and their supporters, urging them to respect the outcome of the democratic process.
The CSOs said the responsibility for a peaceful and credible election rests not only with the electoral and security authorities but also with voters, political parties and other stakeholders.
They urged residents to remain peaceful, protect their ballots and report any attempt to intimidate voters or disrupt the electoral process to the appropriate authorities.
