The Take Back Naija Initiative (TBN) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigeria Police Force, EFCC, security agencies, political parties and other stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible Osun State Governorship Election on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
In a statement issued on Saturday, TBN condemned electoral violence, vote buying and selling, voter intimidation, ballot snatching, thuggery, harassment of opposition supporters, result manipulation and the alleged abuse of state institutions for partisan political purposes.
The group said political power should be obtained through the ballot box and not through violence, intimidation, financial inducement or manipulation.
TBN urged all political parties and candidates to respect the democratic rights of citizens and commit themselves to peaceful competition, while calling on Osun voters to resist pressure to sell or mortgage their votes.
The initiative also expressed concern over reports of an alleged call attributed to a serving Osun State senator regarding the killing of members or supporters of the Accord Party.
While stressing that the allegation should be subjected to proper investigation and due process, TBN said any credible threat of violence against political opponents was unacceptable.
It therefore urged the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant authorities to investigate the allegation, establish the facts and take appropriate lawful action if necessary.
“No political office holder, candidate or political party should be above the law or permitted to mobilise violence against opponents,” the group said.
TBN further urged INEC to demonstrate impartiality, independence, transparency and professionalism throughout the electoral process.
It called for every accredited voter to be allowed to cast their ballot freely, with accreditation, voting, counting, collation and declaration of results conducted in strict compliance with the Electoral Act and applicable regulations.
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