Osun Residents Avoid Party Colors Amid Election Violence

Ahead of the August 15 governorship election, fear has engulfed Osun State as residents and politicians refrain from displaying party colors due to a surge in politically motivated killings, with the Nigeria Police Force recording at least 30 such incidents. The election features incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, and Najeem Salaam from the African Democratic Party.

Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu announced a significant security operation, deploying at least four police officers to each polling unit. Despite these measures, anxiety persists among residents, who fear being mistaken for supporters of rival parties.

Waheed Lawal, Chairman of the Osun State Civil Societies Coalition, expressed concerns over the perceived bias of security agencies and the atmosphere of fear created by political actors. Emmanuel Olowu, Executive Director of the Socio-Economic and Civic Rights Advocacy, noted that political tension is exacerbated by the desperation of political actors to secure power.