By Our Correspondent
The New Direction for Nigeria Movement (NEDMO), a civil society organisation, has called on political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to immediately halt all forms of violence, intimidation and provocative activities ahead of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
NEDMO, in a press statement signed by its Director of Communication, Victor Terhember, expressed concern over what it described as the rising tension, clashes and inflammatory rhetoric capable of undermining the peaceful conduct and credibility of the forthcoming election.
The organisation warned that the democratic process must not be turned into a “theatre of war,” stressing that the people of Osun State deserve the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote in a peaceful, secure and intimidation-free environment.
It strongly condemned recent clashes and provocative statements, noting that such developments could threaten the peace of the state and compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
According to NEDMO, all political parties and candidates must immediately cease hostile actions, dismantle criminal networks associated with political violence and remain committed to the peace accord they voluntarily signed.
“Leadership requires accountability, and history will judge harshly any leader who climbs into power on the blood of citizens,” the organisation stated.
NEDMO also called on security agencies to maintain absolute neutrality and professionalism before, during and after the election.
It demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals directly involved in acts of electoral violence, as well as alleged sponsors of such violence, irrespective of their political affiliations, positions or social status.
The organisation further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the election is transparent, free, fair and credible, stressing that the outcome must reflect the genuine will of the people of Osun State without compromise.
NEDMO equally appealed to voters across the state to reject inducements and refuse to participate in acts of violence.
It urged the electorate to remain peaceful, protect their votes and use the ballot box as the legitimate instrument for determining the political leadership of the state.
The organisation disclosed that it would deploy independent observers across the 30 local government areas of Osun State to monitor the electoral process.
According to NEDMO, its observers will document alleged electoral infractions, human rights violations and other forms of malpractice, with a view to ensuring that individuals who undermine the democratic process are held accountable under the law.
The organisation called for peace to prevail in Osun State, popularly known as the “Living Spring State,” while reaffirming its commitment to promoting good governance, electoral integrity, democracy and civil liberties across Nigeria.
NEDMO reiterated that it is a non-partisan, pro-democracy advocacy organisation committed to strengthening democratic institutions and protecting the rights of citizens.
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