Osun Governorship Election: APC Candidate Seeks Increased International Observation Amid Rising Political Tension

As political campaigns intensify ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election, concerns over election security and political violence have moved to the forefront, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) urging greater international attention to the electoral process.

The APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, has appealed to the British High Commission and other international observers to closely monitor developments before, during, and after the governorship election. He argued that sustained international observation would help promote transparency, discourage violence, and strengthen public trust in the outcome of the poll.

APC Raises Concerns Over Political Violence

Speaking while receiving a delegation from the British High Commission at the APC Campaign Office in Osogbo on Tuesday, Oyebamiji alleged that members and supporters of his party have experienced repeated attacks since 2022.

According to the APC candidate, the reported incidents have created growing concerns among party supporters as the election approaches. He claimed that politically motivated intimidation and violence could undermine voter confidence if not properly addressed.

Oyebamiji said the party has formally reported its concerns to the Nigeria Police and called on security agencies to conduct impartial investigations into all allegations of political violence in accordance with Nigerian law.

Claims of Attacks Across Osun Communities

The APC campaign maintained that its internal records show that more than 40 party members and supporters have allegedly been affected by politically related attacks in different parts of Osun State since 2022.

The incidents cited by the campaign reportedly include killings in communities such as Osogbo, Ota Efun, Ilesa, Irewole, and Otan Ayegbaju. The party also referenced the alleged kidnapping and killing of one of its ward treasurers during the 2023 presidential election campaign.

Oyebamiji further alleged that some suspects connected to the incidents have either been declared wanted by law enforcement agencies or accused in ongoing investigations. He urged authorities to ensure that all pending cases are investigated thoroughly and prosecuted where sufficient evidence exists.

Call for Independent Election Observation

The APC candidate stressed that international election observers can play a significant role in promoting peaceful democratic participation.

He appealed to diplomatic missions and election monitoring organizations to maintain close attention to political developments throughout the election period, arguing that independent observation could improve public confidence and encourage adherence to democratic standards.

Oyebamiji also stated that the APC campaign remains committed to peaceful political engagement and has instructed its members to remain law-abiding while cooperating with security agencies.

Governor Adeleke Earlier Made Similar Appeal

The APC’s request comes shortly after Governor Ademola Adeleke also met with officials from the British High Commission.

During that meeting, the governor reportedly urged the international community to consider visa restrictions and economic sanctions against individuals allegedly involved in sponsoring political violence ahead of the election.

Governor Adeleke also alleged that political actors were encouraging violence through their supporters, leading to incidents involving killings and gun attacks in parts of the state.

APC Rejects Governor’s Allegations

Following the governor’s meeting with the British delegation, the Osun APC accused Adeleke of presenting what it described as inaccurate information regarding the security situation in the state.

The opposition party maintained that the governor’s account did not fairly represent the political climate and insisted that APC members have been the primary victims of violence.

At the time of reporting, the competing allegations remain claims made by the respective political parties. Security agencies have not publicly released findings that independently verify the accusations from either side.

Why This Matters

Osun State remains one of Nigeria’s politically significant states, and the 2026 governorship election is expected to attract national and international attention.

Calls from both the ruling government and the opposition for greater international involvement highlight growing concerns about election security. Independent election observers typically assess issues such as voter intimidation, campaign violence, polling procedures, vote counting, and the overall credibility of elections.

The coming weeks are expected to be crucial as political parties continue campaigning while security agencies face increasing pressure to ensure a peaceful environment for voters.

Observers will also be watching whether political leaders maintain peaceful conduct and whether allegations of violence are investigated transparently before election day.