Osun Election: Osun will be the litmus test for INEC, security agencies — Olajengbesi

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a Nigerian lawyer has declared the Osun State governorship poll, scheduled for August 15, as a crucial litmus test for both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the nation's security agencies. Pelumi Olajengbesi, based in Abuja, formally petitioned the international community, including the British High Commission, urging closer scrutiny of pre-election activities.

Olajengbesi specifically cited allegations of partisan conduct by the state's police leadership. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Osun-born lawyer called on the federal government to ensure a free, fair, and credible gubernatorial contest. He stated that the election would offer a preview of what to expect in the broader 2027 general elections, emphasizing the need for democratic integrity.

“

We have written to the British High Commission that the police in Osun are completely compromised, that the Commissioner of Police in Osun is being partisan and is working for a political party.

"We have written to the British High Commission that the police in Osun are completely compromised, that the Commissioner of Police in Osun is being partisan and is working for a political party," Olajengbesi asserted. He added, "This should not be happening when we are talking about democracy, when Nigeria is talking about free, fair and credible elections. The people of Osun must be allowed to go to the polls and vote for a candidate of their choice."

“

This should not be happening when we are talking about democracy, when Nigeria is talking about free, fair and credible elections. The people of Osun must be allowed to go to the polls and vote for a candidate of their choice.

The Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers, which Olajengbesi is associated with, has been monitoring developments in Osun State. He decried the rising violence, largely attributed to political thugs, and implored election observers to remain vigilant. Olajengbesi also highlighted his earlier petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, warning against the shielding of individuals involved in pre-election violence. He stressed that reported killings and destruction of property pose a serious threat to democratic governance and the election's credibility.

Furthermore, Olajengbesi demanded a comprehensive investigation into all documented incidents of political violence in Osun State. He called for the identification, arrest, and prosecution of all participants, sponsors, financiers, or facilitators of such violence, regardless of their political affiliation. He accused the Osun State Police Command of complacency despite numerous reports of violence and called for the immediate redeployment of the state's Commissioner of Police.

“

it is a major test of the integrity of our institutions to know if we are able to conduct a free, fair and credible election in the forthcoming 2027 general elections