Osun 2026: Leaders Demand Peaceful Elections Amid Violence

Ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), political leaders, and major political parties have expressed serious concerns over escalating political violence. The National Democratic Congress (NDC), Accord, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and All Progressives Congress (APC) have all called for a peaceful electoral process.

Key political figures, including NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, and Accord presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, voiced their opposition to the violence. Auwal Musa Ibrahim Rafisanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, reported a troubling pattern of violence, intimidation, and voter inducement.

Recent incidents include the killings of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade and political youth leader Kolade Eluyera, alongside other violent acts. The CSOs and political parties warned that such developments could undermine the election's credibility and discourage citizen participation.