Two civil society organisations have called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Human Rights Commission NHRC to investigate allegations that some local government workers in Osun State are being victimised over their political choices during the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

The Nigeria Peace and Security Advancement Network NPSAN and the Local Government Development Initiative LGDI made the call at a joint press conference in Abuja, expressing concern over reports that leaders and some members of a group known as Concerned NULGE had received suspension letters.

Assistant Secretary of NPSAN, Abigi Akaaer Joshua, and Assistant Publicity Secretary of LGDI, Musa Alaku Godiya, said public servants should not be intimidated, discriminated against or sanctioned for exercising their constitutional rights.

The organisations acknowledged that allegations of misconduct should be investigated but warned against using disciplinary procedures to punish workers because of their political preferences.

They maintained that public service should be governed by established laws, professionalism and due process rather than political loyalty, stressing that employees should not be compelled to support a particular candidate or party to retain their jobs.

The groups cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which protect fundamental rights and democratic participation. They particularly referenced Section 42, which prohibits discrimination on specified grounds, including political opinion, and Section 36, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing.

They argued that disciplinary measures against public servants must follow established administrative procedures, including giving affected workers an opportunity to respond to allegations before decisions are taken.

The organisations expressed concern that some workers might be facing sanctions based on suspicions about the candidates they supported rather than proven misconduct.

They warned that compelling public servants to demonstrate political loyalty could undermine democratic principles and discourage citizens from freely exercising their electoral rights.

As part of their demands, the groups urged Tinubu to intervene to protect constitutional democracy, the rule of law and fundamental human rights in Osun State.

They also called on the Federal Civil Service Commission to examine the matter within its jurisdiction and ensure compliance with applicable public service rules.

The Federal Ministry of Justice was urged to provide appropriate legal oversight, while the NHRC was asked to investigate credible complaints of intimidation, discrimination or violations of fundamental rights.

The organisations further called for an independent and transparent investigation into the reported suspensions and urged the Osun State Government to exercise restraint while reviewing the circumstances surrounding the letters.

They clarified that their intervention was not intended to support any political party or candidate but to promote constitutionalism, protect workers’ rights and uphold democratic freedoms.

The groups maintained that any genuine misconduct should be addressed through lawful disciplinary procedures, while political preferences and voting choices alone should not constitute grounds for punishment.