An Osun-based civil society, The Osun Masterminds (TOM), has raised concerns over what it described as worsening insecurity, political interference and threats to democratic institutions in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Speaking during its July 2026 State of the State Address in Osogbo, the group warned that the state was approaching a critical moment and urged political actors, security agencies, traditional rulers and residents to work towards ensuring a peaceful, free and credible election.

The organisation said Osun, once regarded as one of the most peaceful states in the South-West, has witnessed a disturbing rise in cult-related violence, political thuggery and clashes linked to the forthcoming governorship poll.

According to TOM, residents of major towns including Osogbo, Ede, Ilesa and Ile-Ife now live in fear as violent confrontations among rival political groups and cult factions increasingly disrupt commercial activities and threaten public safety.

The group warned that the growing insecurity could discourage voter participation and undermine the credibility of the election if not urgently addressed.

It called on the Osun State Government, political parties, security agencies and other stakeholders to prioritise peace over political interests, insisting that elections should be decided by ballots rather than violence.

The organisation also urged political parties to dismantle all armed groups and unofficial security outfits allegedly operating on their behalf across the state. It further appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to provide adequate security at all polling units and collation centres to guarantee the safety of voters on election day.

Beyond election security, TOM expressed concern over the lingering leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), accusing successive administrations of turning transport unions into political tools.

The group alleged that government interference in union affairs has fuelled factional violence, intimidation and instability in motor parks across the state, particularly during election periods.

It called on the state government, local government chairmen and political actors to allow transport unions operate independently in accordance with trade union laws, stressing that government involvement should be limited to revenue regulation and public safety.

The civil society organisation also expressed worry over the increasing involvement of traditional rulers in partisan politics.

It said reports of monarchs openly endorsing candidates, organising political meetings and making partisan statements risk eroding the neutrality and moral authority traditionally associated with the institution.

TOM urged royal fathers across Osun State to remain neutral and preserve the sanctity of their thrones, while cautioning politicians against pressuring or inducing traditional rulers to publicly support political candidates.

The organisation equally raised alarm over what it described as politically motivated arrests and selective law enforcement targeting opposition figures, political activists and critics ahead of the election.

It alleged that some individuals have been arrested over their political views or activities and called on the Nigeria Police Force to maintain professionalism, impartiality and respect for constitutional rights throughout the electoral process.

According to TOM, every suspect should be treated in accordance with the law, granted access to legal representation and charged to court where necessary, rather than being subjected to arbitrary detention.

Concluding the address, the group appealed to residents of Osun State to reject vote-buying, political intimidation and violence, urging them to elect leaders based on competence, integrity and vision.

It also reminded political leaders, security agencies and other stakeholders that their conduct during the election period would shape the state’s democratic future, pledging that the organisation would continue to monitor the electoral process in defence of the people’s will.