Our attention has been drawn to a publication titled "Osun 2026: 'We Cannot Be Bought' — Civil Society Flags Alleged APC Desperation to Subvert Will of the People," purportedly issued by the Osun State Civil Society Matter Committee of the Imole Campaign Council.
Ordinarily, a publication founded on conjecture, speculation, and unsubstantiated allegations would not warrant a response. However, because of the gravity of the accusations and the need to protect the integrity of public discourse ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, we consider it imperative to set the record straight.
The statement is long on sensational rhetoric but remarkably short on verifiable facts. It levels grave accusations against the All Progressives Congress (APC), including allegations of importing illegal voters, inducing voters with money, manipulating voter cards, stealing ballot papers, and planning violence to influence the outcome of the election. These are serious criminal allegations. Yet, the authors failed to present a single piece of credible evidence to support them.
At no point does the publication identify those allegedly involved, provide documentary proof, disclose eyewitness accounts, or present reports from any security or electoral authority. Instead, it relies on vague expressions such as "reliable reports indicate," "it is alleged," and "there are claims." Such phrases can not substitute for evidence, especially when accusations have the potential to inflame public sentiment and undermine confidence in the electoral process.
If the authors genuinely possess credible intelligence regarding planned electoral offences, their civic responsibility is clear: submit the information, together with supporting evidence, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant law enforcement agencies for immediate investigation. Resorting to media sensationalism without evidence does not strengthen democracy; it weakens it.
It is equally troubling that a body presenting itself as a civil society organization has chosen to function as the media arm of a political campaign while claiming the moral authority traditionally associated with civil society. Across the world, genuine civil society organizations are respected because they maintain independence, objectivity, and fairness. They scrutinize all political actors without fear or favour. Once an organization openly aligns itself with a political campaign and speaks exclusively in its interest, it inevitably invites legitimate public scrutiny regarding its impartiality.
We reject, in the strongest possible terms, every allegation contained in the publication. The APC remains committed to democratic engagement, issue-based campaigning, and strict compliance with the Electoral Act and all applicable laws. We have consistently urged our members and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly, and we shall continue to do so throughout the electioneering period.
We equally call on every political party, its supporters, civil society organizations, religious and traditional leaders, security agencies, and the media to play constructive roles in ensuring that the forthcoming election is peaceful, credible, and reflective of the freely expressed will of the people. Democracy is best served when political disagreements are resolved through facts, lawful institutions, and the ballot—not through propaganda, fear-mongering, or the reckless dissemination of unverified allegations
The people of Osun deserve a campaign focused on governance, policies, development, and the future of the state. They deserve robust debates on education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth empowerment, economic growth, security, and social welfare—not a campaign dominated by baseless accusations intended to distract from the substantive issues before the electorate.
We therefore urge the public to treat the publication with the caution it deserves and to reject every attempt to manipulate public opinion through unsupported claims. We also encourage all stakeholders to remain vigilant, uphold the rule of law, and work collectively to ensure that the August 15 governorship election is conducted peacefully, freely, fairly, and credibly.
History will judge us not by the volume of our accusations but by our fidelity to truth, justice, and democratic principles. Let us, therefore, approach this election with responsibility, restraint, and unwavering respect for the sovereign will of the people.
Signed:
Jagunmolu Amitolu Shittu
Chairman
Civil Society Committee
(Coalition for Democratic Integrity)(CDI)AMBO Campaign Council July 20, 2026
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