Osun State Violence Rises Ahead of August 2026 Gubernatorial Election

Political violence in Osun State, Nigeria, has intensified as the August 15, 2026 governorship election approaches. The Imole Campaign Council supporting incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke accuses the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) of organized intimidation, citing shootings in communities such as Akoda, Owode, Olaiya, Old Garage and Oke‑Fia that left at least three people seriously injured.

Multiple attacks have been reported over the past seven months, including the shooting of Accord Party chairman Asimiyu Ajibola, the murder of a local Accord women’s leader’s son, and killings of APC and road‑transport union members. The governor has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, alleging that APC‑linked thugs carried out coordinated assaults in Ile‑Ife, Ede and Osogbo. Both parties have also destroyed campaign billboards, further heightening tension. The violence has resulted in six deaths and several injuries, prompting widespread condemnation and raising concerns about the conduct of the upcoming election.