A former Chairperson of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, has raised alarm over escalating political tension ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, warning that the atmosphere could undermine the credibility of the poll and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

The human rights lawyer and Associate Professor of Law called on political parties, candidates, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible election.

Drawing on her experience in election observation and democratic governance, Akiyode-Afolabi said recent developments in Osun reflect early warning signs often associated with electoral violence.

“As an election observer, I understand the warning signs that often precede electoral violence. The developments unfolding in Osun demand urgent and collective action to prevent further escalation,” she said.

She expressed concern over reports of election-related violence, inflammatory rhetoric and heightened public anxiety, noting that more than 20 persons were reportedly killed in politically linked incidents in the build-up to the poll.

The former TMG chair also cited recent controversies, including the reported freezing of an Osun State Government bank account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the deployment of about 15,000 police personnel, and the arrest later followed by release of the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Teslim Igbalaye, and five others over alleged vote-buying.

While acknowledging the constitutional powers of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate electoral offences, she cautioned that the arrest of a high-ranking government official at a sensitive stage of the electoral process could heighten tensions, deepen suspicion and undermine confidence if not handled with transparency and professionalism.

Akiyode-Afolabi further noted that although governorship candidates had signed a peace accord, genuine commitment to peaceful elections must go beyond symbolic gestures.

“The true test of that commitment lies not in signing documents but in the actions of political leaders, their supporters, and the institutions responsible for safeguarding our democracy,” she stated.

Without taking sides, she stressed that actions by public institutions during elections must be lawful, transparent and capable of inspiring public trust.

She urged security agencies to remain professional, impartial and accountable, emphasising that their role is to protect citizens and safeguard the electoral process without creating any perception of bias or intimidation.

The legal scholar also called on INEC to sustain its independence and professionalism, insisting that every lawful vote must count and that the outcome should reflect the will of the electorate.

Appealing to political leaders, she urged immediate steps to de-escalate tensions, reject violence, hate speech and intimidation, and encourage peaceful participation before, during and after the election.

“No political office is worth the life of a single Nigerian. Let the people decide. Let institutions remain neutral. Let peace prevail,” she said.

She added that the Osun governorship election remains a critical test of Nigeria’s democracy and urged all stakeholders to protect its integrity through responsible leadership, adherence to constitutional principles and respect for the rule of law.