Osun Poll: Fear Grips as Reports of Eight APC Members ki!!ěď Raises Security Concerns Ahead of Poll
By Pan Afric Reporters|Osogbo
Tension has heightened across Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election following reports of politically related attacks in parts of the state in which at least eight members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were allegedly killed.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is scheduled to conduct the Osun State Governorship Election on Saturday, August 15, 2026, with political parties and their supporters currently intensifying their final mobilisation ahead of the poll.
However, the reported incidents of violence have triggered fresh concerns over the safety of voters, political party supporters, electoral officials, journalists and observers, particularly in areas regarded as politically sensitive.
According to information gathered by Kakaaki Reporters, one APC member was allegedly killed by gunmen in Ilesa East, while another attack reportedly occurred in Ilesa West, where three APC members were said to have lost their lives. Other alleged incidents in different parts of the state reportedly brought the number of APC members killed in pre-election violence to eight.
The circumstances surrounding the reported deaths remain unclear. The identities of some of the alleged victims, the exact locations of the incidents and those responsible could not be independently established as of the time of filing this report.
A source familiar with developments in the state, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that some political actors were resorting to violence and intimidation against supporters of rival political parties in the build-up to the election.
The source further alleged that some personnel of the Amotekun Corps, the South-West regional security outfit, had been involved in attacks on members and supporters of opposition parties.
Kakaaki Reporters could not independently verify the allegation against the Amotekun Corps. No specific evidence was provided to substantiate the claim, and the allegation remains unverified pending an official response or investigation by the relevant authorities.
The reported attacks have nevertheless heightened anxiety among residents, with fears that a further escalation of violence could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and discourage some eligible voters from turning out on election day.
Security agencies are expected to strengthen surveillance and security operations across the state while ensuring the protection of candidates, political party supporters, voters, electoral officials, journalists and accredited observers before, during and after the election.
The development also underscores the importance of effective coordination among security agencies and other stakeholders in implementing the security arrangements required for a peaceful election.
As the state approaches the August 15 poll, stakeholders have urged political parties and their supporters to exercise restraint and reject violence, while calling on security agencies to investigate reported attacks, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
With only days remaining before Osun voters elect their next governor, attention is increasingly focused on the ability of the authorities to prevent further violence and guarantee a peaceful, credible and inclusive electoral process across the state.
