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By Dr Gabriel Nwambu

Preparatory Assessment and Pilot Survey
Ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun State Governorship Election
INTRODUCTION
The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), as a duly accredited civil
society organization recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is
mandated to observe the electoral processes in Nigeria to guarantee transparency,
accountability, and adherence to democratic principles.

In fulfillment of our civic responsibility toward the upcoming August 15, 2026 Osun State
Governorship Election, the Centre has concluded a comprehensive pre-election observation
mission and a state-wide pilot survey.

This document highlights our early findings regarding the
security environment, stakeholders’ preparedness, INEC’s operational readiness, voter
sensitization, and potential flashpoints across the 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Osun
State.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PILOT SURVEY & OBSERVATION
Our pilot survey was designed to:
1. Gauge public confidence in the electoral umpire (INEC) and security architectures.
2. Assess the level of voter preparedness, collection status of Permanent Voter Cards
(PVCs), and civic awareness.
3. Identify early-warning indicators, security flashpoints, and potential threats of electoral
violence or voter suppression.
4. Evaluate the compliance of political parties with the Electoral Act and peace pact
guidelines.

METHODOLOGY
The Centre deployed a mixed-method qualitative and quantitative approach. This included:
● Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): Consultations with traditional rulers, religious leaders,
youth groups, security agencies, and leaderships of political parties.
● Desk Reviews & Media Monitoring: Tracking political rhetoric, incidents of violence, and
hate speech across traditional and social media platforms.

● Pilot Perception Survey: Administered structured questionnaires to a randomized
sample of registered voters across urban and rural settlements spanning all three
Senatorial Districts of Osun State.

KEY FINDINGS OF THE PRE-ELECTION PILOT SURVEY
A. Voter Readiness and Awareness
● High Interest, Mixed Sentiment: Our survey revealed a remarkably high level of
awareness regarding the August 15 election date among citizens. Over 82% of
respondents expressed willingness to participate.

● PVC Collection and Access: While initial distribution phases recorded commendable
turnouts, pockets of logistical bottlenecks and isolated attacks on distribution centers
raised temporary anxieties. However, proactive interventions by INEC have largely
stabilized collection rates.

B. Assessment of INEC’s Preparedness
● Logistical Planning: Reports from our field observers indicate that INEC is steadily
moving non-sensitive materials to the various LGA headquarters. Stakeholder
engagements conducted by the Commission have been rated positively.

● Technology Deployment: Confidence in the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS)
and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal remains moderately high, though respondents
emphasized the need for optimal network connectivity and prompt deployment of
technical support teams to avert glitches on election day.
C. Security Environment and Early-Warning Indicators (Flashpoints)
Despite the enthusiasm of the electorate, the Centre notes with grave concern several
early-warning indicators that require immediate multi-agency intervention:
● Escalating Political Tensions: Our pilot survey highlights localized political friction and
aggressive rhetoric between major contending parties, particularly in high-density urban
centers and historical flashpoints across parts of Osogbo, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, and Ede.

● Incidents of Violence and Vandalism: Recent reports of localized clashes, destruction
of campaign materials, and unwarranted attacks threaten to shrink the civic space and
induce voter apathy through fear.

● The Threat of Vote Trading: Economic vulnerabilities identified during our survey
suggest that vote-buying remains an latent threat. Indigent voters surveyed expressed
concerns regarding attempts by desperate political actors to monetize the ballot.

RECOMMENDATIONS
To ensure a free, fair, credible, and peaceful election on August 15, 2026, the Centre for
Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness recommends the following:
1. To the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC):
○ Ensure timely deployment of sensitive and non-sensitive materials to Registration
Area Centers (RACs) to prevent the usual delays on election morning.
○ Conduct continuous mock testing of BVAS devices to assure the electorate of
fail-safe technology.
○ Maintain absolute neutrality and transparency in collaboration with all accredited
observers and party agents.
2. To Security Agencies (Police, NSCDC, and Military):

Deploy proactive intelligence-gathering mechanisms to identified flashpoints to
forestall any breakdown of law and order.
○ Ensure a robust, non-partisan security presence that guarantees the safety of
voters, election officials, and observers without intimidating peaceful citizens.
○ Strictly enforce laws against vote-buying and prosecute offenders regardless of
political affiliation.

3. To Political Parties and Candidates:
○ Call your supporters to order and strictly abide by the peace accords signed for the
election.

○ Refrain from hate speech, fake news, and actions capable of inciting violence or
polarizing communities along ethnic or partisan lines.
4. To the Electorate and Citizens of Osun State:
○ Come out en masse to exercise your franchise on August 15, 2026, undeterred by
intimidation or fear.
○ Resist any form of vote-selling, as your vote is your power and the true currency of
good governance.

CONCLUSION
The Osun State Governorship Election of August 15, 2026, is a critical test for Nigeria’s evolving
democracy. While challenges relating to security and political tensions persist, they are not
insurmountable. The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness remains steadfast
in its commitment to observing the process objectively and reporting findings transparently. We
call on all stakeholders to place the peace, security, and prosperity of Osun State above
personal or parochial political ambitions.
Signed:
NWAMBU Gabriel,Ph.D.,
Director-General / National Coordinator Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA)

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, has come under heavy hammer from a Professor of English at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Ademola Omobewaji Dasylva, over his alleged three-hour delay to a programme and failure to apologise after arriving.

Dasylva, who teaches drama, poetry, African Literatures and Oral Literature/Folklore Studies at the University of Ibadan, described the monarch’s conduct as disrespectful and inconsistent with the values of the revered Yoruba royal institution.

The don made the remarks in an article, titled: “Of Mythography and Mythognosis: A Complementary Perspective on Yoruba Mythology and The Relevance, Today,” published on the Toyin Falola Network.

According to Dasylva, the article partly celebrated the inauguration of the Alaafin Institute of Yoruba Studies at the Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, held on July 14, 2026.

Before I go on, however, let me mention, in passing, but for the maturity and discipline demonstrated by both the organisers, and the very cultured invited guests, an extreme patience taken for granted by some leaders and cultural icons, the well organised inauguration event of a foremost Yoruba Cultural Institute could have been thoroughly messed up, courtesy of the usual ‘Nigerian thing’, widely referred to as ‘African time,’” he wrote.

Dasylva said the event was scheduled to begin at 9am, with dignitaries, including retired Bishop (Prince) Ladigbolu, already seated, while the programme indicated that the Alaafin was expected at 9:55am.

The university lecturer alleged that the monarch did not arrive until 12:20pm, forcing guests to wait for more than three hours.

“However, the event had to be kept on hold, courtesy of Alaafin Owoade, who arrived at the venue at 12:20pm.

“In other words, people, including yours truly, were kept waiting for over three hours before the event finally took off.

“Perhaps it wouldn’t have mattered much had other important and peripheral activities including cultural dances, been allowed to fill up the gap pending the Alaafin’s arrival, but no.

“Everyone was kept waiting and wondering what could have taken the monarch that long to attend to a great honour bestowed on the revered Throne of the Alaafin and Ancestry.”

The professor said what disappointed him most was the absence of an apology from either the monarch or his representatives.

“Unfortunately, not a word of apology for the lateness of the Imperial Majesty and his entourage, either by his spokesperson or directly by His Imperial Majesty!

“But as a teacher of culture, a proud Yoruba, and an advocate of our rich African cultural heritage, I found that rather strange and incomprehensible.”

Dasylva argued that while such behaviour had become common among some politicians, it should not be associated with a foremost Yoruba monarch.

“I do know that many uncultured Nigerian politicians who have refused to outgrow their adult delinquency regularly do that a lot and take the people they are meant to serve for granted.

“However, may I say in all humility, it is least expected of a foremost Yoruba monarch, a significant institution that embodies Yoruba cultural values and the requisite discipline.

“To whom much is given much is required.

“Again, in all humility, I stand to be corrected.”

As at the time of filing this report, Oba Owoade, who is currently on vacation to Manitoba, Canada, where he resided before becoming Alaafin, could not be reached for comments on the professor’s condemnation.

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In the next 6 months, Abuja residents can now link Lugbe from Nile University.

Construction of Collector Road CO1 from the Nile University area to Ring Road III (Lugbe) is now going on.

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, was at the site to inspect the project, which was flagged off last month.

Watch: