By Aaron Ossai
Opposition political parties, ethnic youth organisations and civil society groups have passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, and Nigeria’s security agencies over the conduct of the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.
The groups described the poll as a significant victory for democracy, saying it demonstrated that Nigerians could still participate in competitive elections and have their choices respected.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the National Chairman of the Action Peoples Party (APP), High Chief Uchenna Nnadi, said the Osun election offered important lessons ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The groups, which included the Arewa Consultative Youth Movement, Ohanaeze Youth Movement, Middle Belt Youth Forum, Oduduwa Consultative Youth Movement, PBAT Door-to-Door Movement and African Centre for Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR), said the significance of the election went beyond the victory or defeat of individual candidates and political parties.
They particularly commended INEC and Amupitan for what they described as courage, independence and integrity in managing the election.
According to them, the credibility of any election depends on whether voters can exercise their franchise without intimidation and have their votes counted.
They described Amupitan as a “new democratic hero” and urged him to build on the gains recorded in Osun by institutionalising lessons from the election and applying them to future polls.
The groups also praised President Tinubu, saying the Federal Government provided what they considered a level playing field for competing political parties.
They urged the President to sustain the approach ahead of 2027, arguing that the Osun election could serve as a precedent for demonstrating that the government can allow a genuinely competitive electoral process without seeking to predetermine its outcome.
The organisations similarly commended the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army and Department of State Services (DSS) for their roles in securing voters, electoral officials and materials.
They, however, urged the security agencies to maintain neutrality, professionalism and restraint in future elections.
The groups also praised the people of Osun State, whom they described as the “real owners of democracy,” for participating in the election and demonstrating that political competition could take place without widespread violence.
They congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory and urged him to govern for all residents of the state, irrespective of political affiliation.
Despite their positive assessment, the groups said the election should not be regarded as flawless. They called on INEC to conduct a comprehensive post-election review covering logistics, voter accreditation, results management, collation, communication with political parties and the use of technology.
They also demanded consistent and impartial enforcement of electoral regulations.
Looking ahead to 2027, the groups identified five key conditions for credible elections: an independent electoral commission, a level playing field, professional security agencies, freedom for voters to cast their ballots and results that reflect the will of the electorate.
They urged political parties to strengthen internal democracy, arguing that parties must practise transparency in their own nomination processes if they are to demand credible national elections.
The organisations also appealed to Nigerians to reject violence, intimidation and electoral manipulation while defending the sanctity of their votes.
They said the Osun experience should not remain an isolated achievement but should become the benchmark for future elections.
“Osun has shown us what is possible. Now, Nigeria must build on it,” the groups said, urging INEC, the Federal Government, security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations and citizens to work together towards an even more transparent and credible 2027 election.
