A civil society organisation, Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and security agencies in Osun State to use the next 48 hours to de-escalate tensions and ensure adequate and professional security throughout the governorship electoral process slated for August 15, 2026.

The CSO said efforts from the security agencies must include the movement of voters and election personnel, polling units, election materials, and the counting and collation of results.

EiE also tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide clear and timely information on voting and collation arrangements, particularly in areas where political tensions have been reported, and to ensure that election officials can perform their duties without intimidation or interference.

The CSO expressed concern over the escalation of political threats, intimidation and reported violence in the final days of the campaign. It cited a report by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), which stated that 44 election-related violent incidents were recorded in Osun between October 2025 and June 2026, resulting in 13 fatalities. The report noted that 26 of those incidents occurred in May and June alone.

In recent days, Senator Francis Fadahunsi (APC, Osun East) was captured on video in Ilesa making remarks interpreted as a threat against members of the Accord Party. The Osun State Police Command subsequently invited Senator Fadahunsi for questioning over the remarks. He was later released by the police. His media office has since described the comments as a “political metaphor” for defeating Accord at the polls. On the other hand, Senator Fadahunsi described the video as AI-generated. “So which is it? A political metaphor or an AI-generated video?” EiE asked.

Separately, Francis Eniade, the APC candidate for Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo-Otin Federal Constituency, was recorded at a campaign rally warning Accord Party members against voting in Odo-Otin Local Government Area on election day. The remarks prompted Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Adewale Egbedun to petition the Inspector-General of Police over alleged threats arising from the incident. There have also been reports and images alleging that Mr Eniade was subsequently attacked in an incident linked to the Speaker’s camp, with claims of injuries and damage to vehicles.

EiE lamented that the combination of threats, attempts at voter intimidation and allegations of retaliatory violence in the final days before the election is deeply concerning. It said no political competition should put citizens in a position where they must choose between exercising their right to vote and their personal safety.

“We therefore call on: The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to investigate all reported threats, intimidation and violence impartially, including the allegations involving Senator Fadahunsi, Mr Eniade and other political actors. Where offences are established, those responsible must be held accountable, irrespective of political affiliation or position.”

The CSO urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to immediately reject threats and violence and give clear instructions to their supporters, agents, and political networks to respect every citizen’s right to vote. “Any dispute arising from the election must be pursued through lawful channels,” it said.

“To the people of Osun: do not allow political intimidation to keep you away from the ballot. Your vote belongs to you. No candidate, party or political supporter has the right to determine who you vote for or whether you vote at all.

“Plan ahead for Saturday. Know your polling unit, know how to get there, and make your way to the polls safely. gotomypu.com is available to help Osun voters locate their polling units and get directions before heading out to vote.

“If you witness or experience threats, violence or other electoral irregularities, report them to the appropriate authorities and seek assistance where necessary.’

EiE Nigeria is deploying trained citizen observers across Local Government Areas in Osun State as part of its election observation effort. Its observers will monitor the process before, during and after voting, with particular attention to voter access, intimidation and violence, polling-unit procedures, counting and the collation of results.

“We will document our observations and contribute to an independent account of the election’s conduct.

“The August 15 election must be decided by voters, not by threats, intimidation or violence. Every Osun voter should be able to cast their ballot freely and safely, and every political actor must respect that right.

“EiE Nigeria will continue to observe, document and speak up throughout the electoral process,” the CSO said.