Hurdles for free, fair, credible elections in Osun

Less than two months before the August 15, 2026, governorship election in Osun State, political campaigns are marred by violence, intimidation, and mutual accusations rather than policy debates. The election, a key off-cycle poll in Nigeria, is seen as a test of political strength ahead of the 2027 general elections, with control of Government House, Oke-Fia, at stake. Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, running for the Accord Party, faces legal challenges after the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the deregistration of his party and four others for failing to meet constitutional requirements, including securing 25 percent of votes in the last general elections. The ruling bars them from the 2027 polls, complicating Adeleke’s re-election bid. Challengers include Bola Oyebamiji, the APC candidate known as AMBO, and Najeem Salaam, the ADC standard-bearer and former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly. Instead of policy discussions, headlines report shootings, attacks, and politically motivated violence, particularly in Osogbo, Ede, and Ile-Ife. Recent incidents include an assassination attempt on Accord Party chairman Ashimiyu Ajibola, who survived gunfire in Osogbo, and an attack on the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, who linked the violence to political tensions. Earlier, Kolade Eluyera, son of a female political leader, was killed in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, deepening fears of escalating conflict. Political camps have exchanged accusations of orchestrating violence, while traditional rulers and community leaders warn that unchecked rivalry risks destabilizing Osun. Security concerns dominate discussions, with residents questioning whether they can vote freely without fear of coercion or manipulation.