A coalition of Nigerian students and civil society organisations has called on the United States, the United Kingdom, and other members of the international community to immediately push the Federal Government to hold a credible and transparent election in Osun State on August 15, 2026.
The coalition issued the demand on Friday thru Olayinka Dada and Igwe Ude-Umanta, who spoke on its behalf at the US Embassy in Abuja.
The organization also sent additional petitions to the US Embassy, the British High Commission, the European Union Delegation, and the United Nations offices in Abuja, all requesting a free, fair, and transparent election.
The coalition expressed worry about reported political violence, intimidation, abuse of public institutions, and other occurrences related to the election.
It notably expressed worry about the EFCC’s recent blocking of bank accounts belonging to the Osun State Government, prior to President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.
“The timing of such activities so close to the governorship race reeks of political intervention, intimidation, and bullying, regardless of the stated justifications.
“Instead of targeting opposition elements, security agencies should investigate all allegations of politically motivated violence and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliation or connections” , the coalition said.
“We specifically request that US authorities encourage the Federal Government to ensure political neutrality and equal opportunity for all candidates in the Osun governorship election.
“The United States and other members of the international community must closely monitor developments before, during, and after the Osun governorship election and ensure that appropriate sanctions are imposed on anyone found to have violated Nigeria’s electoral integrity,” the statement continued.