Osun Election: Tension as INEC holds stakeholders’ meeting ahead of governorship poll

Tension flared at a stakeholders' meeting in Osun State, Nigeria, on Wednesday, just days before the August 15, 2026 governorship election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) convened the meeting in Osogbo, attended by political parties, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. However, the event became chaotic due to intermittent clashes between supporters of the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The disruption intensified when the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, was invited to speak. While some attendees applauded, others booed, making it difficult to hear his address. A similar scene unfolded when Hon. Bamidele Salam of the Imole Campaign Council Media Directorate attempted to speak.

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We want peace in Osun, not war

Outside the venue, a group of women staged a peaceful demonstration, holding placards that read, "We want peace in Osun, not war" and "Osun election must be free and fair." The APC Campaign Council, however, alleged that the Accord Party sponsored the protest to disrupt the meeting. Security forces were deployed in and around the venue to maintain order amid the heightened tensions.

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Osun election must be free and fair