Osun 2026 election: Tension flares at INEC stakeholders meeting amid party clashes

A palpable tension has gripped Osun state, Nigeria, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) convenes a stakeholders' meeting ahead of the August 15 governorship election. The atmosphere at the meeting, attended by political parties, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders, became fraught with disruption as supporters of the Accord party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) engaged in heated exchanges.

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We want peace in Osun, not war

The meeting, which began with a promising tone, devolved into disorder when the State Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Gotan, was invited to speak. Accord party supporters began booing him, while APC supporters applauded, creating a cacophony that made it difficult for attendees to comprehend the speech. The disruption continued as APC members loudly booed the Imole Campaign Council Media Chairman, Hon Bamidele Salam, attempting to silence his points.

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Osun election must be free and fair

Adding to the charged environment, a group, allegedly sponsored by the Accord party, held a peaceful protest outside the venue, carrying placards that read, "We want peace in Osun, not war" and "Osun election must be free and fair." In response, the APC, through its Campaign Council spokesperson Remi Omowaye, issued a statement accusing the Accord party of sponsoring the protest to disrupt the INEC meeting. Despite the security-tight venue, with armed personnel stationed both inside and outside, the political animosity significantly marred the proceedings.

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the Accord is sponsoring a protest to disrupt the INEC’s stakeholders meeting.