Election Violence Surges in Osun as 26 Incidents Recorded in Two Months, Group Warns

Blessing Bello, Reporting 

WITH less than two months to go until Osun State’s governorship election on 15th August 2026, Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) has sounded the alarm over a sharp escalation in election-related violence, revealing that 26 incidents were recorded in May and June alone.

The warning came as a forum of former legislators of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Osun State House of Assembly raised fresh concerns over an alleged plot to unleash political violence against party members and supporters.

Addressing journalists at a press conference, KDI Executive Director Bukola Idowu said the incidents have resulted in fatalities, injuries, destruction of property and growing fear among residents, urging stakeholders to take urgent steps to prevent further escalation.

Idowu disclosed that the 26 cases represent 59.1 per cent of the 44 election-related violent incidents documented across the state between October 2025 and June 2026, describing the development as a major warning sign ahead of the poll.

He noted that the concentration of violence within the last two months signals rising political tension that could undermine public confidence and threaten the integrity of the electoral process if not addressed promptly.

“Through its ongoing pre-election observation and violence monitoring activities, KDI has documented 44 election-related violent incidents across Osun State between October 2025 and June 2026,” Idowu said. “These incidents have resulted in 13 recorded fatalities, multiple injuries, destruction of property, and heightened fear among residents. KDI also documented 24 non-election-related violent incidents during the same period, resulting in 23 fatalities, underscoring that the election is unfolding within a broader security environment that requires careful management.”

“Particularly concerning is the pace of escalation of electoral violence. Twenty-six of the 44 verified election-related incidents during the monitoring period occurred in May and June 2026 alone – representing 59.1 per cent of all verified election-related violence. This concentration of incidents barely two months preceding the election constitutes a significant early warning signal that must not be ignored and requires urgent preventive action.”

Meanwhile, former Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, who spoke on behalf of the APC legislators, called on security agencies to investigate intelligence suggesting a coordinated plot to attack APC members across the state.

“We further wish to alert security agencies to intelligence available to our Forum indicating a coordinated plot to unleash violence against members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress across Osun State,” Owoeye said.

He urged authorities to investigate the purpose for which a particular vehicle was released and whether it is connected to ongoing political activities.

Owoeye also raised concerns over the arrival in Osogbo of Ezekiel Olagoke, popularly known as Ezekiel Oba, from Offa in Kwara State, alongside other associates. He noted that Olagoke currently serves as a Special Assistant on Internal Security Matters to Governor Ademola Adeleke and has long been associated with political violence and the sponsorship of cult-related activities.

“Security agencies should immediately investigate these reports and monitor all individuals whose activities may constitute a threat to public peace,” he said.

The forum further alleged that a secret meeting was held on Wednesday night at BlueWhite Roof Hotel in the Oke Oniti area, where plans were discussed on how to attack commercial tricycle operators displaying campaign materials associated with the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO.

“We urge security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the meeting and take necessary preventive measures,” Owoeye added.