Osun Guber Insecurity concerns grow as The Osun Masterminds urges police neutrality and stronger security ahead of the August 15 election
The Osun Masterminds (TOM), a civic advocacy organisation, on Thursday raised fresh concerns over Osun Guber Insecurity, warning that rising violence and alleged politically motivated arrests could threaten the credibility of the August 15, 2026 governorship election. The group’s Executive Director, Professor Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, made the remarks during TOM’s July 2026 State of the State address in Osogbo, Osun State.
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Professor Oyedokun-Alli said incidents of cult-related violence, political thuggery and election-linked clashes had become more frequent in communities including Osogbo, Ede, Ilesa and Ile-Ife, leaving many residents fearful and disrupting commercial activities.
He warned that the deteriorating security environment could discourage voter participation if urgent steps were not taken to restore public confidence before election day.
“We sound a stern note of caution to all relevant stakeholders, the State Government, political parties, candidate campaign structures, local government administrators and security agencies, that the peace and stability of Osun State must not be sacrificed on the altar of desperate political ambitions,” Professor Oyedokun-Alli said.
The organisation urged political parties to dismantle alleged informal security outfits, armed militias and political enforcement groups operating across the state.
It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to deploy adequate and impartial security personnel to polling units and collation centres across Osun’s 332 wards.
According to the group, security agencies must ensure voters, election officials and observers can carry out their responsibilities without intimidation, harassment or violence.
TOM argued that a peaceful atmosphere remains essential for a credible electoral process.
Beyond security concerns, the organisation alleged that opposition politicians, political activists and government critics had faced selective law enforcement and arbitrary arrests in recent months.
Professor Oyedokun-Alli claimed some individuals were detained after expressing political opinions on social media or participating in peaceful political activities.
“Such practices are alien to constitutional democracy, violate fundamental human rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and signal a dangerous descent towards authoritarianism,” he said.
The group appealed to the Nigeria Police Force, the Osun State Police Command, the State Criminal Investigation Department and other security agencies to remain professional and politically neutral throughout the election period.
It also urged authorities to ensure that anyone arrested is granted legal representation and processed in line with constitutional provisions.
The latest warning comes as political campaigns intensify ahead of the governorship election, with security expected to play a decisive role in maintaining public confidence.
In previous election cycles, concerns over political violence and voter intimidation have prompted increased deployment of security personnel and closer collaboration between electoral authorities and security agencies.
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TOM maintained that safeguarding the rights of all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation, would be critical to delivering a peaceful and credible governorship election.
