Two civil society organisations have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to investigate allegations that local government workers in Osun State are facing political victimisation over their voting choices in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The Nigeria Peace and Security Advancement Network (NPSAN) and the Local Government Development Initiative (LGDI) made the appeal at a joint press conference in Abuja, expressing concern over reports that some leaders and members of a group known as Concerned NULGE had received suspension letters.
The organisations said the allegations required an independent and transparent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported disciplinary actions and determine whether any workers had been targeted because of their political preferences.
Their intervention comes amid a dispute over the treatment of local government employees following the election, in which Governor Ademola Adeleke contested against opposition candidates.
CSOs Seek Federal Intervention
Representatives of NPSAN and LGDI urged the Federal Government to ensure that the allegations are examined impartially and that the rights of affected workers are protected.
They also appealed to the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to examine the reported suspensions and take appropriate steps to safeguard the legitimate labour and constitutional rights of its members.
According to the organisations, public employees should not face intimidation, discrimination or administrative punishment simply because of their voting choices, political affiliations or lawful expression of political opinions.
They maintained that the purpose of their intervention was to promote constitutionalism, workers’ welfare and democratic freedoms rather than support any political party or candidate.
The groups stressed that the relevant authorities must establish the facts before drawing conclusions about the allegations or the reasons behind any disciplinary measures.
NHRC Asked to Examine Human Rights Concerns
The organisations specifically called on the NHRC to investigate any credible complaints involving intimidation, discrimination or possible violations of fundamental rights arising from the reported actions against local government workers.
The Commission’s intervention, they argued, would help establish whether the affected employees had been treated in accordance with the law and applicable administrative procedures.
Moreover, they urged the Osun State Government to exercise restraint and review the circumstances surrounding the reported suspension letters while the allegations are examined.
The groups said any investigation should be guided by evidence, fairness and due process, rather than assumptions about workers’ political loyalties.
They also emphasised that lawful disciplinary action remains possible where an employee is reasonably suspected of committing an offence or breaching an applicable regulation. However, they argued that such action must be based on legitimate grounds and established procedures.
Consequently, the central issue is whether the reported measures relate to genuine workplace or administrative concerns, as authorities may claim, or whether political considerations have influenced decisions affecting employees.
Dispute Over the Treatment of Osun Council Employees
The allegations have generated disagreement between the Osun State Government and opposition figures over the circumstances surrounding investigations involving local government personnel.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State previously alleged that a committee established by the Local Government Service Commission was seeking to identify workers who supported its candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, during the election.
The party also claimed that some employees had been invited to appear before an investigative panel and alleged that their political associations were being scrutinised.
However, the state government rejected the claim that the investigation was politically motivated. The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said the exercise concerned allegations that some workers had received salaries from two sources.
According to the commissioner, the investigation followed a petition from employees over alleged double salary payments and was intended to address possible financial infractions.
The competing explanations underscore why an independent examination of the available evidence would be important. Establishing whether the investigations concern financial or administrative misconduct, political activity, or a combination of issues would help clarify the basis for any disciplinary action.
At this stage, the allegations of political victimisation should not be treated as established findings. Equally, any claim that the process is purely administrative would need to be assessed against the evidence and the procedures followed.
Protecting Workers’ Rights in a Democratic System
The dispute raises broader questions about the relationship between public employment, political freedom and accountability in Nigeria’s democratic system.
Public employees are subject to lawful workplace rules and disciplinary procedures. Nevertheless, allegations that workers could be punished because of how they voted raise concerns about the protection of political choice and the principle of secret ballots.
The civil society organisations argued that employees should be able to exercise their constitutional freedoms without fear that their political preferences could threaten their livelihoods.
They also called for transparent procedures where allegations of misconduct arise, including clear reasons for disciplinary action and a fair opportunity for affected employees to respond.
Such safeguards would help distinguish legitimate administrative oversight from possible discrimination and reduce the risk that political disagreements become workplace disputes.
Furthermore, an impartial investigation could help restore confidence among employees and members of the public by providing a clearer account of the facts.
Call for Transparency and Due Process
NPSAN and LGDI urged the relevant authorities to act promptly and ensure that any investigation is conducted without political interference.
They maintained that where misconduct is established through a fair process, the appropriate authorities can take lawful action. However, they said political preference, voting choice or peaceful political association should not, by themselves, constitute grounds for victimisation or administrative punishment.
The organisations also called on the state government to ensure that workers’ rights are respected throughout any ongoing investigations.
For the NHRC, the request presents an opportunity to examine any properly submitted complaints within its mandate and determine whether further action is warranted. The Federal Government’s response, meanwhile, could help establish whether the allegations receive independent scrutiny.
Ultimately, the matter will depend on the evidence, the legal basis for the reported disciplinary measures and the fairness of the procedures followed.
As the dispute continues, the key question is whether the authorities can establish the facts transparently while ensuring that public employees are held accountable for legitimate workplace misconduct without being penalised for exercising their democratic rights.
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