CSOs Warn of Violence Ahead of Osun Governorship Election

With six days remaining until the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, civil society organizations (CSOs) have raised alarms about the risk of violence. They called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a peaceful and credible election.

This concern follows the arrest of Honourable Mayowa Adejoorin, the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, and a shooting incident during an All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign in Ilesa, which injured a 12-year-old boy. Organizations such as Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, CISLAC, and Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) urged INEC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army to act without political bias.

Meanwhile, the Accord Party, represented by spokesperson Hezekiah Olanamiji, stated it is prepared for the election, focusing on grassroots mobilization and community engagement. The APC, through spokesperson Chief Kola Olabisi, also confirmed its readiness, emphasizing final preparations and logistics across the state’s 30 local government areas.