By David Owei

As the August 15, 2026 Osun State Governorship Election enters its final 21 days, the Civil Society Network on Election Integrity will convene a Citizens’ Town Hall on the Osun Off-Cycle Governorship Election on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

The Network comprises the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), ElectHER, TAF Africa, The Kukah Centre, International Press Centre (IPC), Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), and YIAGA Africa.

The town hall is a non-partisan platform for dialogue between citizens and key electoral institutions towards strengthening public confidence and reinforcing electoral integrity.

Participants will include election management officials, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, organisations of persons with disabilities, media practitioners and citizens from across Osun State.

Running from 4pm to 7pm at Adolak Event Hall, Osogbo, the Town Hall will feature physical participation by invited guests only and will be broadcast live on ARISE Television, NTA, AIT and the Osun State Broadcasting Service, with livestreaming on the official YouTube channels of participating broadcasters and additional coverage by radio stations, newspapers and digital media platforms.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Mrs. Olutoyin Babalola, and the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan will lead discussions on election preparedness and election security. They will be joined by representatives of women and persons with disabilities, while representatives of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers and faith-based organisations will deliver goodwill messages.

Citizens participating both physically and online will have the opportunity to engage directly with key electoral stakeholders, interrogate critical issues relating to preparations for the governorship election and advance recommendations to ensure the transparency and credibility of the process.

Chairman of the Planning Committee and Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, said the Town Hall reflects the Network’s commitment to strengthening electoral governance through inclusive citizen engagement.

“Electoral integrity depends on informed citizen participation, institutional transparency and sustained multi-stakeholder engagement. The Citizens’ Town Hall provides a structured platform for constructive dialogue that strengthens public trust and reinforces collective accountability in the conduct of the governorship election.”

The Co-Chair of the Planning Committee and Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, said the Network views citizen engagement as critical to safeguarding electoral credibility.

“The quality of an election is determined not only by institutional preparedness but also by the extent to which citizens are able to engage the process in an informed and meaningful manner. This Town Hall provides an accountability interface between citizens and electoral stakeholders, helping to strengthen transparency, public confidence and the integrity of the electoral process.”

The Osun Citizens’ Town Hall builds on a series of citizen-focussed initiatives by the Network across Nigeria. The initiative commenced with a national dialogue on the Electoral Act 2026 in Abuja on March 1, 2026, before progressing to Ekiti State on May 24, 2026 ahead of the Governorship Election of June 20, 2026, the first conducted under the Electoral Act 2026. The Osun edition seeks to consolidate these gains through inclusive dialogue, institutional accountability and informed participation of citizens.

The Civil Society Network on Election Integrity is a coalition of leading Nigerian civil society organisations working to promote credible, peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections. Through citizen engagement, policy advocacy and multi-stakeholder collaboration, the Network advances electoral integrity, democratic accountability and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral processes.

By Our Correspondent

Following recent Enugu Air crash in Benin, Enugu State,governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has reacted to Thursday’s runway incident involving the state-owned airline, Enugu Air, at Benin Airport, empathizing with the passengers and crew members over the traumatic experience.

Mbah, in a statement he personally signed, commended the aviation authorities for immediately initiating an investigation into the incident, saying that, for Enugu Air, safety remained non-negotiable.

In the statement made available to newsmen on Friday, the governor said, “The Enugu State Government is aware of the runway excursion incident affecting Enugu Air, Embraer E170, Flight 4264, operating until the Benin Airport from Lagos on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

“The government empathizes with the 63 passengers and five crew members on board the aircraft over the traumatic experience and is thankful to God that no life was lost and no injuries have so far been reported.

“The government commends the swiftness of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) in embarking on the ongoing investigation to determine the circumstances and factors that may have led to the incident. The government will ensure the full cooperation of its going concern, Enugu Air, with the investigation and regulatory authorities.

“While the outcome of the investigation is awaited, the government assures the public that the operations of Enugu Air are guided by the highest safety standards. The airline is founded on a corporate culture that places safety above profit and schedule, and its quality assurance and quality control systems stipulate a safety threshold that is considerably higher than the industry benchmark.

“This accounts for the growing confidence and patronage the airline has continued to enjoy from both passengers and industry stakeholders. Enugu Air will therefore continue to serve its teeming customers and abide by its utmost commitment to safety, professionalism, and a sense of hospitality.”

He thanked Nigerians for their support following the incident, as many continued to relive their pleasurable experiences flying the airline.

“The Enugu State Government wishes to express its profound gratitude to Nigerians for the outpouring of solidarity since the unfortunate incident. Quite uncommonly, Nigerians have continued to share their positive experiences with Enugu Air since it was launched a year ago. This matters so much to us as a government at this time,” he concluded.

By George Mgbeleke

Former Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial and ensure justice for all political parties regardless of political pressure.

Abubakar made the call on Friday when the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), alongside his national commissioners, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Minna, Niger State.

This came on a day the INEC management team also paid a visit to another former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), at his Minna residence.

Pledging his support for INEC ahead of the upcoming Osun governorship poll and the 2027 general elections, Abubakar urged the commission to ensure that all elections are free, fair, credible, and conducted on a level playing field.

The elder statesman acknowledged the demanding nature of leading the electoral body, describing the office of the INEC Chairman as one of the most critical and challenging roles in Nigeria’s democratic framework.
“Your appointment is very, very critical to our democratic setting.
“With the politicians, you need to do a lot to gain their confidence because whatever you and your commissioners do, you will stand accused of bias one way or another.
“If anybody in the political system loses an election, you become the whipping child.

They will find excuses to claim that INEC has done something wrong.
“However, with the confidence we have in you, I am absolutely sure and, I pray that you will do the best you can for this country,” Abubakar said.
He advised the electoral chief and his team to remain steadfast, ignore unwarranted distractions, and strictly abide by their oath of office.
“The INEC Chairman cannot do this job alone, but the buck stops with you. I am absolutely sure that you will abide by the oath you took.
“You must do justice to all and sundry. All political parties are yours; you do not have any political party to call your own.

“So, I wish you well and advise that you close your ears and shut your eyes, because no matter what you do, political parties will have a go at you and claim you have done something wrong. That is the nature of Nigerians.
“I hope and pray you take it in good faith because our democracy depends on all of you,” he added.
Abubakar expressed confidence in the leadership and collective capacity of the commission.

He disclosed that the National Peace Committee would hold a strategic meeting in Abuja on July 29, ahead of the official signing of the Peace Accord on July 30 for the Osun governorship election.
He highlighted the Osun election as a crucial test run for the 2027 general elections and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to supporting peaceful, transparent, and credible elections across Nigeria.

Earlier in his remarks, Amupitan reassured Nigerians that their votes would count in both the Osun election and the 2027 general elections.
He noted that the visit was to honour the elder statesmen for their ongoing contributions to national stability, democracy, and peacebuilding, as well as to seek their support and prayers toward the successful conduct of the Osun governorship and 2027 general elections.

Speaking at Abubakar’s residence, Amupitan praised the former leader’s leadership of the NPC, noting that the Peace Accord initiative had provided a vital platform for political actors to commit to non-violence.
“Your initiative and intervention, especially the Peace Accord, have not only provided political actors with a platform to commit to non-violence, but have also strengthened the sovereignty of the will of the Nigerian people.
“This prevails against disharmony and discord, for which INEC is forever grateful to you, sir.
“We also congratulate you on your recent 84th birthday anniversary and recognize your contributions to national unity.

“Since the transition period in 1999, you have been involved in peacebuilding not just in Nigeria, but across Africa. History will be kind to you,” Amupitan said.
The INEC Chairman confirmed that the Osun governorship election will be held on Aug. 15, with the Peace Accord signing set for July 30 in Osogbo.
He also reaffirmed that the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on Jan. 16, 2027, followed by the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on Feb. 6, 2027.

Amupitan assured the statesmen that in spite of operational challenges, including frequent pre-election litigation, INEC remains committed to delivering inclusive elections and incorporating modern technology into its processes.
He decried the lack of a strong democratic culture among political actors, citing instances where sudden court orders force the commission to reprint ballot papers at short notice.

“Just yesterday, my Legal Director informed me of a court order directing us to add another political party after we had already printed ballot papers for Osun State.
“All those ballot papers will likely have to be canceled and reprinted. These are some of the hurdles we face.

“Despite these issues and the trust deficiency we currently face, we continue to do our best for a successful election,” he said.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Amupitan noted that the commission sought to draw from the former leaders’ wealth of governance experience.
He expressed delight that both former leaders commended INEC’s dedication and pledged their continued support.

Amupitan urged eligible voters to participate actively in the democratic process, reminding citizens that the third phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise closes on Sunday, July 26.
Amupitan was accompanied by national commissioners, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Niger State, and other management staff members of the commission.