As Osun State prepares for its governorship election this Saturday, 15 August 2026, tension and rumours are in the air. Some voices suggest that staying home is safer. To the people of the State of the Living Spring, I say this plainly: do not panic. Do not surrender your power before the day begins. Go out and vote. Exercise your constitutional right, and refuse to be oppressed by anyone.
Panic is a tool of those who benefit from low voter turnout. When citizens stay away, the will of the people is not measured. It is assumed by those who are already organised.
Your right to vote is protected by the Constitution. No thug, political agent, or online threat has the authority to take it from you. Security agencies must protect the process, and voters must insist on that protection by participating.
Report threats. Stay vigilant. But do not let fear keep you away. An empty polling unit is a victory for oppression. A full one is its defeat.
Go early. Know your polling unit. Take your PVC. Vote according to your conscience, not pressure or inducement. When you cast your ballot, you affirm that the people of Osun own their future. You tell every force that seeks to intimidate that the ballot is stronger than the threat.
Demand transparency from INEC, accountability from security forces, and peace from all candidates. Above all, demand it of yourselves by turning up.
Rise early. Stand in line if you must. Cast your vote. Protect it with your presence. The power is yours. Use it.
Signed:
Comrade James Onifade
Advocate for Good Governance and Judicial Reform
