Osun 2026: Imesi-Ile Group Urges Residents to Vote, Shun Violence

The Imesi-Ile Progressive Association (IPA) has urged all eligible Imesileans who have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to come out en masse and exercise their civic responsibility during the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.

The association, in a statement, urged residents to vote peacefully and responsibly for the governorship candidate of their choice, stressing that active participation in the electoral process was critical to strengthening the political relevance and bargaining power of Imesi-Ile in Obokun Local Government Area and Osun State.

According to the IPA, the turnout and voting pattern in the election would determine the extent to which the community could effectively articulate and advance its developmental demands before government at various levels.

The association noted that political participation remained essential to attracting infrastructure and other government interventions to the community, citing the Yoruba saying, *“Aisi nibẹ ni a i bá wọn dá sí”*—a reminder that absence from decision-making processes could lead to exclusion from opportunities and development.

The group warned that Imesi-Ile could not afford to remain politically passive and risk having government projects and other opportunities meant for the community diverted elsewhere because of poor electoral participation.

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It therefore encouraged Imesileans to vote for candidates they genuinely believed would promote the development and welfare of the community, saying such considerations should take precedence over personal interests.

IPA also appealed to politicians, security agencies, youths and election officials to work collectively towards ensuring a peaceful, free, fair and hitch-free election across Osun State.

The association particularly cautioned political actors against turning Imesi-Ile into a theatre of political violence, urging them to refrain from inflammatory utterances and actions capable of causing unrest or threatening the peace of the community.

It further advised residents to remain security-conscious throughout the election period and avoid unnecessary gatherings that could expose them to security risks or jeopardise the peace and safety of the community.

The IPA reiterated that peaceful and active participation in the electoral process remained one of the most effective ways for Imesi-Ile to strengthen its political voice and secure greater attention to the community’s developmental needs.