Osun election violence has raised fresh concerns across the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with killings, shootings, attacks and political clashes fuelling fears over the safety and credibility of the poll.
Political parties have traded accusations over several incidents, while security agencies and civil society groups have called for restraint as election day draws closer.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has identified 385 potential flashpoints across Osun’s 30 local government areas, underscoring the security challenges facing the state.
Osun Election Violence Leaves Deaths And Injuries
Concerns over Osun election violence intensified following a series of incidents linked to political activities in different parts of the state.
One of the reported cases was the killing of Accord Party supporter Ajayi Aderogba, popularly known as Rogba, in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area.
Aderogba was reportedly shot during preparations for a political rally in support of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election campaign.
The incident triggered accusations from the Adeleke camp, which alleged that an APC-linked figure was connected to the killing.
The accused lawmaker, Oluwole Oke, rejected the allegation, while the APC called for a proper investigation instead of political blame.
Another incident occurred in Ede, where a truck reportedly ran into members of an APC campaign procession, leaving one person dead and seven others injured.
Political unrest was also reported during an APC mobilisation walk in Ile-Ife. The procession reportedly became chaotic after campaign posters were destroyed, with clashes breaking out afterwards.
The incidents have added to fears that confrontations between supporters of rival parties could worsen as the August 15 election approaches.
Osun Election Tensions Spread Across Communities
Osogbo has also featured prominently in the growing security concerns. In June, Accord Party chairman for Osogbo Local Government Area, Asimiyu Ajibola, was shot by suspected gunmen in the MDS area of the state capital.
Police said the attack was being investigated as an apparent attempted murder and confirmed that Ajibola was receiving treatment.
The incident drew condemnation from the Accord Party and the state government, with calls for those responsible to be identified and prosecuted. The police later declared five people wanted in connection with violence linked to the political crisis in Osun.
The command said the move was part of efforts to apprehend individuals suspected of involvement in incidents involving deaths and destruction of property.
The developments have left residents, political supporters and community leaders on edge in several parts of the state.
Billboard Vandalism Adds To Osun Election Dispute
Tensions between rival political camps have also played out through allegations of campaign billboard vandalism. Accord accused suspected APC supporters of destroying its campaign materials in parts of Osun, while the APC rejected the allegation and accused the ruling party of trying to create sympathy by blaming its opponents.
The exchange has become part of a wider political battle ahead of the governorship election, with both camps accusing the other of attempting to influence public opinion.
However, the allegations have yet to establish a definitive link between either party and the reported attacks, making independent investigations particularly important.
Osun Election Violence Triggers Calls For Police Action
The political atmosphere became more tense following allegations involving inflammatory statements attributed to some political figures.
Accord called for investigations into alleged inciting comments and urged security agencies, including the police and Department of State Services, to act against anyone found to be encouraging violence.
The Imole Campaign Council, which is backing Adeleke’s re-election, has also called for stronger security measures ahead of the election.
The concerns have increased pressure on security officials and other stakeholders to prevent further escalation before election day.
385 Flashpoints Identified Ahead Of Osun Election
Security concerns became clearer after INEC disclosed that 385 flashpoints had been identified across Osun’s 30 local government areas.
The electoral commission also identified 200 difficult terrains that could pose challenges for election logistics and access.
The assessment has placed additional pressure on security agencies to protect voters, electoral officials and election materials before, during and after the August 15 poll.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists has also condemned the rising political violence in the state, citing data from the Kimpact Development Initiative, which recorded 44 election-related violent incidents between October 2025 and June 2026, with 13 deaths. According to the figures, the incidents included killings, attacks, threats and destruction of property.
The NUJ warned that continued violence could damage public confidence in the electoral process if political actors and security agencies failed to respond decisively.
Parties Urge Supporters To Remain Calm
Beyond the major parties, other candidates have also expressed concern over the growing tension.
ADC governorship candidate Najeem Salaam condemned political violence and urged political parties to focus on peaceful campaigns rather than allowing competition to turn deadly.
Meanwhile, the leading contenders, Adeleke and APC candidate Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, have also been urged to maintain restraint as the election approaches.
Despite the wider tension surrounding the contest, there have also been calls for political maturity from both camps to prevent isolated incidents from escalating into wider clashes.
In July, 12 of the 14 political parties contesting the election signed peace and accountability charters at a governance and electoral integrity summit in Osogbo.
The APC and ADC were among the parties that did not sign the documents.
What Is At Stake In The August 15 Election?
The August 15 governorship election will determine who leads Osun for the next term and could further shape the political balance in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adeleke and Oyebamiji are among the major contenders, while other candidates, including ADC’s Najeem Salaam, are also seeking to challenge the leading camps.
The election has attracted national attention because of the political rivalry surrounding the contest and its potential implications for the wider political landscape.
For residents, however, the biggest concern is simpler: they want to vote without fear.
Road To August 15
With only days left before the Osun governorship election, attention is increasingly shifting from campaign rallies to security and voter confidence.
The 385 flashpoints identified by INEC, alongside the violent incidents already recorded, underline the need for security agencies to remain impartial and for political parties to keep their supporters under control.
Investigations into reported attacks must also be allowed to run their course, with anyone found responsible facing the law regardless of political affiliation.
The August 15 election will ultimately be decided by voters at the polling units. Ensuring that they can cast their ballots safely and freely will be just as important as the final result.
For Osun, the days ahead will be a test of political restraint, security preparedness and the ability of all sides to put the interests of voters ahead of confrontation.
