The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has called on President Bola Tinubu to resist the temptation to rig Saturday’s Osun governorship election for his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement titled “The Votes Must Count in Osun Governorship Election,” NAS Capoon Dr. Charles Meribole urged Tinubu to act as a true statesman and ensure a level playing field for all candidates.
The group condemned pre-election violence in the state, citing death tolls recorded by Amnesty International and concerns raised by civil society groups. It warned that democracy cannot survive under “weaponised institutions and voter inducement.”
The confraternity called on Tinubu to direct security agencies to protect voters and dismantle any notion of deploying “Federal Might” to suppress the people’s will. It also urged INEC to restore public confidence by executing the election flawlessly—from logistical deployment to result declaration—while preventing irregularities like result alteration or the disappearance of electoral officers.
Security agencies were implored to remain apolitical and avoid militarising the state, with a warning that troublemakers must be held accountable. Political actors were enjoined to prioritise peace over ambition, while voters were advised to conduct themselves peacefully. “Osun State has seen enough bloodshed,” the group declared, insisting that “the people deserve a free and fair process, and their votes must count.”