CSOs Raise Alarm Over Alleged Plot to Declare State of Emergency in Osun Ahead of Governorship Election

A coalition of civil society organisations has alleged a plot to create insecurity in Osun State as a pretext for declaring a state of emergency and removing Governor Ademola Adeleke ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

The allegations were contained in a press conference addressed by the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Good Governance in Lagos on July 20.

The coalition claimed it had received credible intelligence suggesting that politically sponsored violence was being orchestrated to destabilise the state and justify federal intervention. According to the group, such a move would undermine constitutional democracy and unfairly favour the opposition in the forthcoming governorship poll.

The group also alleged that political thugs had recently attacked residents and disrupted activities in parts of Osun State, accusing some operatives of the Nigeria Police Force of failing to act decisively and, in some instances, aiding the perpetrators. It specifically criticised the Osun State Police Command, alleging partisanship and selective enforcement.

Calling for restraint, the coalition urged the Federal Government and security agencies to remain neutral and ensure a peaceful, credible election. It also appealed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to caution its supporters against violence.

The coalition further called on the international community, including the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, European Union, the United States and the United Kingdom, to closely monitor developments in Osun State and support efforts to safeguard Nigeria's democracy.

The group said it would continue to mobilise citizens through lawful and peaceful means to resist any attempt to undermine the democratic process, insisting that the people of Osun State should be allowed to freely elect their next governor without intimidation or unconstitutional interference.

As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government, the Nigeria Police Force and the All Progressives Congress had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the statement.