SUNTV Global Channel | August 14, 2026
The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as Pyrates Confraternity, has called on President Bola Tinubu to resist any attempt to influence or rig Saturday’s Osun State governorship election in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group urged the President to act as a statesman by ensuring a level playing field for all candidates and allowing the people of Osun State to freely choose their next governor.
The call was contained in a statement titled “The Votes Must Count in Osun Governorship Election”, signed by NAS Capoon, Dr Charles Meribole.
The organisation expressed concern over the violence recorded ahead of the election, warning that continued bloodshed and intimidation could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.
NAS/PC said democracy cannot flourish where institutions are allegedly weaponised or where voters are subjected to inducement, intimidation or violence.
The group specifically appealed to President Tinubu to direct security agencies to protect voters and ensure that no political party or candidate is given an unfair advantage.
“We call on President Bola Tinubu to act as a true Commander-in-Chief by ensuring a level playing field for all the governorship candidates,” the organisation said.
It further warned against the use of what it described as “Federal Might” to suppress the will of Osun voters.
The group also challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use the Osun election to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
According to NAS/PC, INEC must ensure that every stage of the electoral process—from the deployment of election materials to voting, collation and declaration of results—is conducted transparently and without manipulation.
The organisation urged the commission to prevent alleged irregularities such as alteration of results, disappearance of electoral officials and electoral materials, insisting that every legitimate vote must be accurately recorded and protected.
NAS/PC also called on security agencies to remain politically neutral and warned against excessive militarisation of the state, saying the presence of heavily armed personnel could discourage voters from participating.
The group stressed that security agencies owe their allegiance to the Nigerian Constitution rather than to individual politicians or political parties.
It also called on political actors to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters and prioritise peace over political ambition.
Voters, meanwhile, were urged to remain peaceful before, during and after the election and to reject violence.
“Osun State has seen enough bloodshed. The cycle of election-related violence must end. The people deserve a free and fair process, and their votes must count,” the group said.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, with voters expected to elect the next governor of the state.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to provide verified updates on the Osun governorship election, voter safety and the conduct of all stakeholders.
