The Osun Masterminds (TOM) has raised concerns over the rising insecurity in Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, urging stakeholders to work towards ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.
Speaking during the organisation’s July 2026 State of the State address on Thursday, TOM’s Executive Director, Professor Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, said the state had witnessed a decline in security in recent months, with increasing cases of cult-related violence, political thuggery and election-related clashes.
Oyedokun-Alli noted that residents in major towns including Osogbo, Ede, Ilesa and Ile-Ife were becoming increasingly worried as clashes involving rival political groups and suspected cult gangs continued to occur in public spaces, affecting businesses and threatening citizens’ safety.
He warned that the deteriorating security situation could negatively affect voter turnout and weaken public confidence in the electoral process if not urgently addressed.
The group cautioned the state government, political parties, campaign organisations, local government officials and security agencies against allowing political interests to undermine the peace and stability of Osun State.
TOM also called on political parties to dismantle alleged informal security groups, militias and enforcement squads operating within the state, while urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to ensure adequate and neutral security deployment across polling units and collation centres in all 332 wards.
The organisation stressed that a free and fair election could only take place in an environment where voters, electoral officials and observers are protected from intimidation and violence.
It further expressed concerns over alleged politically motivated arrests, selective enforcement of laws and harassment of opposition members, activists and media commentators in the state.
According to Oyedokun-Alli, arresting individuals over political opinions or peaceful participation in democratic activities undermines constitutional rights and threatens democracy.
He urged the Nigeria Police Force, Osun State Police Command, State Criminal Investigation Department and other security agencies to maintain professionalism and neutrality throughout the election period.
TOM emphasised that security personnel must uphold the rule of law, ensure suspects have access to legal representation and avoid being used to advance partisan political interests.
BACKSTORY:
The Osun Masterminds (TOM), a civic advocacy group in Osun State, has raised concerns over the security situation in the state ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The group’s warning comes amid reports of rising political tension, alleged cult-related violence, armed political activities and clashes involving rival groups in some parts of the state, including Osogbo, Ede, Ilesa and Ile-Ife.
During its July 2026 State of the State address, TOM’s Executive Director, Professor Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, cautioned that worsening insecurity could discourage voters from participating in the election and reduce public confidence in the democratic process.
The organisation urged political parties, government officials and security agencies to prioritise peace by avoiding actions that could heighten tension during the election period.
TOM also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other election security stakeholders to ensure adequate and impartial security arrangements across the state’s polling units and collation centres.
The group further raised concerns over alleged politically motivated arrests and urged security agencies to uphold citizens’ rights while maintaining professionalism and neutrality throughout the electoral process.
