Fear Of Violence Overshadows Osun Governorship Election As Parties Trade Allegations

Fear of Violence Overshadows Osun Governorship Election as Parties Trade Allegations Concerns over violence, threats and intimidation are casting a shadow over Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, with political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders urging authorities to protect voters and ensure a peaceful and credible poll. The growing tension comes just days before voters across the state are due to choose their next governor, with rival political camps trading allegations over attacks, intimidation and the use of state institutions. The scale of pre election violence has become one of the biggest concerns surrounding the poll. A report by the Kimpact Development Initiative KDI recorded 73 election-related violent incidents and 29 deaths in Osun between October 2025 and July 2026. The state capital, Osogbo, emerged as the worst-affected area, accounting for 27 of the incidents. KDI said 78% of the recorded incidents occurred between May and July, as political activity intensified ahead of the election. The organisation warned that continued violence could discourage voters from turning out and undermine confidence in the electoral process. Political parties and their supporters have accused one another of activities capable of undermining a peaceful election. The allegations include political violence, threats against opponents, voter intimidation and the possible use of security agencies to target political rivals. Some groups have also raised concerns over controversial security deployments and alleged attempts to arrest opposition figures. The competing accusations have further heightened tensions as campaigns enter their final stage. Civil society organisations have called on all candidates and their supporters to reject inflammatory rhetoric and allow voters to make their choices without fear. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project SERAP has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to take urgent steps to prevent political violence and protect voters. Other civic groups have similarly called for stronger security arrangements, warning that intimidation or violence could damage the credibility of the election.

Women in Osogbo also staged a protest earlier this week, demanding a free, fair and credible election and expressing concerns over alleged political violence, killings and intimidation. The security agencies now face the difficult task of maintaining order without themselves becoming part of the political controversy. The Council of the Wise, a group of prominent Nigerians, said reported incidents of violence and loss of lives were “needless, unpatriotic, and unacceptable” in a democratic society. It called for incidents already recorded to be thoroughly investigated and those responsible brought to justice. The council also welcomed assurances from INEC and security agencies that they would work to deliver a free, fair and credible election. The Osun election carries significance beyond the state itself, coming as Nigeria gradually moves toward the 2027 general elections. The contest has therefore become an important test of the country’s ability to conduct competitive elections without violence or intimidation. For voters, however, the immediate concern is more basic: whether they can reach polling stations, cast their ballots and return home safely. With election day approaching, civil society organisations and political stakeholders are urging candidates and their supporters to put aside threats and inflammatory statements. A credible election will depend not only on INEC’s ability to administer the vote, but also on the conduct of political parties, security agencies and voters themselves.

As Osun prepares to vote on Saturday, the central challenge is clear: ensure that political competition does not turn into violence, and that every eligible voter can exercise their right to choose a governor without fear.