Osun Governorship Election: Tensions Rise as Parties Clash Ahead of August 15 Poll
Osun State is bracing for a tense governorship election on August 15, 2026, marked by allegations of intimidation, political violence, and institutional interference. Key candidates—incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke (Accord), Bola Oyebamiji (APC), and Dr. Najeem Salaam (ADC)—are presenting their visions amidst security deployments and last-minute electoral adjustments.
Political tensions are mounting in Osun State as parties intensify campaigns and preparations ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, with allegations of intimidation, violence and institutional interference dominating the final days. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over an alleged plan to arrest its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, while the Accord Party appealed to the European Union for intervention, alleging political violence, mass arrests and the misuse of state institutions against opposition figures.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has also accused the police of partisanship, while the EFCC’s decision to place a “Post No Debit” restriction on the Osun State Government’s account has drawn criticism over its timing and perceived political implications.
The electoral contest has also been reshaped by the inclusion of Social Democratic Party candidate Francis Olugbenga Ajala and his running mate following a Federal High Court ruling, prompting INEC to reprint ballot papers and bringing the number of participating parties to 15. Security has been tightened, with Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu barring Amotekun and other quasi-security groups from election duties and deploying Deputy Inspector-General Ishyaku Mohammed to coordinate operations, while Yiaga Africa has urged journalists to educate voters on BVAS result uploads and the IReV portal.
Beyond the security concerns, candidates are presenting competing visions, with Adeleke highlighting roads, healthcare, workers’ welfare and debt reduction, APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji focusing on agriculture, education and healthcare, and ADC candidate Najeem Salaam promising jobs, free education and healthcare alongside renewed social intervention programmes.
The political landscape has shifted further with former PDP figures including ex-Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and former Secretary to the State Government Fatai Akinbade moving to the APC, alongside former PDP aspirant Omoba Dotun Babayemi and supporters of Rauf Aregbesola.
While the defections have strengthened the APC’s campaign and prompted comparisons with the political realignment that preceded Aregbesola’s 2014 victory, party leaders and civil society voices have continued to call for restraint and credible elections. With competing claims over governance, security and institutional conduct shaping the final stretch, the August 15 poll will test not only the candidates and their political coalitions but also the ability of Nigeria’s electoral and security institutions to deliver a peaceful and credible process.