Osun Election Under Fire: Rigging Allegations, Security Fears & Campaign Chaos

The forthcoming August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election is unfolding amidst significant political tension and escalating security concerns, prompting various stakeholders to actively engage in efforts to ensure peace and uphold electoral integrity. Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has provided a robust assurance to the residents of comprehensive security coverage throughout the electoral process. This includes the deployment of a robust security arrangement, guaranteeing that over 3,000 polling units across the state will be secured by a minimum of four police officers each. The IGP's assurances are particularly crucial given widespread concerns over rising political violence in the state.

Yiaga Africa, a prominent civil society organization, has played a key role in highlighting the security challenges, identifying no fewer than 13 local government areas within Osun State as high-risk zones. Among these, Osogbo and Irewole have been categorized as critical-risk areas, while Iwo, Boripe, Ife Central, and Ife East are also designated as high-risk, requiring heightened security attention. Yiaga Africa's executive director, Samson Itodo, further reported an alarming figure of approximately 34 fatalities linked to political violence in the build-up to the election. Acknowledging the existing issues of cultism in Osun, the IGP stated that these animosities have been exploited by different political parties to facilitate attacks. He also disclosed that the police had to intervene when violence escalated, leading to the decision to replace the state's commissioner of police to ensure impartial oversight of election security. An Assistant Inspector-General of Police is also scheduled to move into the state to further bolster security arrangements. The IGP solemnly stressed that "No election is worthy of losing anyone as election will come and go," urging all political parties, candidates, and their supporters to maintain peaceful conduct.

Further underscoring the gravity of the situation, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, a former Chairperson of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) and Associate Professor of Law, expressed profound concerns over the escalating political tension. She warned that the current atmosphere poses a serious threat to the election's credibility and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process. Drawing on her extensive experience, Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi noted that developments in Osun reflect common early warning signs of electoral violence, with official and security reports indicating over 20 lives lost in politically related violence. She cited several controversies that have heightened public anxiety, including the reported freezing of an Osun State Government bank account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the deployment of about 15,000 police personnel, and the arrest and subsequent release of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Teslim Igbalaye, and five others over alleged vote-buying. Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi also questioned the constitutional authority of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate electoral offences, emphasizing that such actions must be handled with transparency, professionalism, and strict adherence to the rule of law to avoid undermining public confidence.

Despite these challenges, efforts to foster a peaceful electoral environment have been made. The Commissioner of Police in charge of the governorship election, CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, successfully brokered a peace deal between the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to resolve clashing campaign dates. Following strategic deliberations held "in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and cooperation," an agreement was reached for the Accord Party to hold its final rally on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Fakunle, and the APC on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Freedom Park. CP Etaifo commended both parties for their maturity and commitment to dialogue, while simultaneously issuing a stern warning that any acts of violence, intimidation, thuggery, or incitement would not be tolerated and would lead to arrests and prosecution.

In a related development aimed at preserving electoral integrity, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has issued a strong warning against vote buying and selling. During an awareness rally in Osogbo, Mr. Yusuf Olatunji, the ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner in Osun, urged voters to recognize the intrinsic value of their votes and resist any attempts to trade them for temporary gains such as cash, gifts, or food items. He announced that the ICPC would deploy adequate personnel across all 30 local government areas to monitor and curb this illicit practice, stressing that vote trading has long-term negative consequences, leading to poor governance, unfulfilled promises, inadequate infrastructure, and a decline in public confidence. Olatunji reinforced that "No amount of money is worth sacrificing quality education, better healthcare, good roads, employment opportunities, and sustainable development."

Amidst these calls for credible and peaceful elections, the political landscape remains charged with accusations. The Imole Campaign Council (IMC) vehemently dismissed as "laughable and defeatist" attempts by the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council to link Governor Ademola Adeleke to an alleged oath-taking video circulating on social media. Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the IMC Media and Publicity Committee, clarified that Governor Adeleke had no connection to the video, asserting that the governor, as a democrat, fundamentally believes in citizens' freedom to make political choices based on conscience, relying instead on his performance in office and widespread public support. Salam criticized the APC's focus on an unverified video as a desperate political strategy, urging them to engage on substantive issues like roads, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Conversely, the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, dismissed Governor Adeleke’s allegations that his party planned to rig the poll. Oyebamiji accused Adeleke of making "unfounded claims out of growing fears of electoral defeat," insisting that the election's outcome would solely be determined by the people's votes. He stated his campaign was focused on mobilizing voters across the state, expressing confidence in an APC victory that would strengthen Osun State's relationship with the Federal Government and attract development projects. Both leading parties have urged their supporters to remain peaceful, highlighting the critical nature of this election as a "litmus test" for rebuilding public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process, especially as it precedes the 2027 general elections.