Osun Election: Violence and APC's Crushing Defeat

The Osun State gubernatorial election resulted in a significant defeat for the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola. Despite Yilwatda's confidence in his campaign council, Governor Ademola Adeleke emerged victorious.

The election was marred by violence, with reports of multiple fatalities. On 12 August, Ayegbo Oluwadele was shot, and on 6 July, 19-year-old Timilehin Oni was killed.

Various organizations reported differing death tolls: Kimpact Development Initiative noted 29 deaths, YIAGA Africa reported over 35, and the Nigeria Police Force confirmed at least 30 politically motivated killings. The APC and Accord Party also reported fatalities among their members.

The election required the deployment of approximately 25,310 security personnel, highlighting the human, institutional, and material costs involved in the electoral process.