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The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), other security agencies, political parties, and citizens to uphold democratic principles and ensure that the election scheduled is peaceful, free, fair, credible, and transparent.

HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, described the election as another important opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that its credibility will not only determine the legitimacy of the eventual winner but also reinforce public confidence in democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Suraju, every institution involved must discharge its responsibilities with integrity, impartiality, and accountability.

ON his part, the presidential candidate of the Accord Party (AP), Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has urged party members in Osun State to remain united and work for the party’s victory in the forthcoming August 15, 2026 governorship election despite accusing Governor Ademola Adeleke of engaging in anti-party activities.

In a statement yesterday, Olawepo-Hashim said the actions of a few individuals should not derail the party’s mission.
HOWEVER, Adeleke yesterday charged the electorate not to bow to intimidation and vote massively for his re-election as the flag bearer of the Accord Party during the gubernatorial polls in the state.

A statement by his Spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, hinted that Adeleke gave the charge while addressing the congregation during a church service at the Winners’ Chapel in Osogbo, the state capital.

SIMILARLY, a stalwart of the APC in the state, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, yesterday, implored the Commissioner of Police deployed for the election in the state, Samuel Etaifo, to exhibit neutrality, with a view to ensuring a peaceful and credible exercise.

He said that though the forthcoming polls were already generating tension, the police and other security agencies must discharge their duties without bias or any form of political interference.

A statement by Oyintiloye, who hitherto represented Obokun State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, said a credible election could only be achieved in a peaceful atmosphere, devoid of intimidation and violence.

Olawepo-Hashim spoke after receiving the report of a seven-member committee of AP’s stakeholders in Osun State that consulted widely and briefed him on recent political developments and the state of the party.

The Accord Party presidential candidate urged members to reject anti-party activities, stressing that the party’s future in Osun State would be determined by the commitment and loyalty of its members, not by the actions of any individual.

He also urged Accord Party members and supporters across the state not to lose faith in the party, insisting that its ideals, values and future were greater than any single personality.

Olawepo-Hashim, while reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the Accord Party in Osun State and across the country, called on party faithful to intensify grassroots mobilisation and remain focused on securing victory at the polls.

The governor, who alleged that some political gladiators from the opposition party were orchestrating violence to instil fear in the masses, maintained that no amount of threat and intimidation can secure victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the election.

He, however, appealed to members of the public to cooperate with and support security operatives in their efforts to ensure the safety of lives and property before, during, and after the election.

Oyintiloye also urged the people to vote massively for Oyebamiji, saying that he possesses the experience and wherewithal to deliver inclusive governance and people-oriented policies capable of accelerating the development of the state.