The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies, political parties, and citizens to uphold democratic principles by ensuring that the Osun State Governorship Election scheduled for 15 August 2026 is peaceful, free, fair, credible, and transparent.
In a statement on Sunday signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the organisation 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 2027 general elections.
It said: “Every institution involved must discharge its responsibilities with integrity, impartiality, and accountability. The credibility of the election will depend not only on the conduct of INEC but also on the professionalism of security agencies, the maturity of political actors, and the vigilance of citizens.”
HEDA urged INEC to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, neutrality, and transparency by ensuring the timely deployment of election materials and personnel, the effective use of electoral technology, prompt resolution of operational challenges, and transparent collation and declaration of results in accordance with the Electoral Act and the Constitution.
The group also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to provide adequate security before, during, and after the election while remaining politically neutral. Security personnel, it said, must protect voters, election officials, observers, journalists, and electoral materials without intimidation, harassment, or any action capable of undermining public confidence in the process.
The organisation further reminded political parties and their candidates to conduct issue-based campaigns and refrain from vote-buying, hate speech, voter intimidation, misinformation, and all forms of electoral violence.
“We are also calling on media, election observers, and civil society organisations to sustain their oversight role by promoting transparency, documenting the electoral process, combating misinformation, and ensuring that citizens have access to accurate information. Journalists covering the election must be allowed to carry out their constitutional responsibilities freely and safely.” it added
‘HEDA encouraged the people of Osun State to participate peacefully in the election, reject inducements and violence, and exercise their constitutional right to vote without fear. Reaffirming that credible elections are fundamental to democratic governance, accountability, and sustainable development, the organisation pledged to monitor the electoral process and urged all stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of the election,” the statement added.
