Osun Tense as APC and Accord Party Trade Blames Over Pre-Poll Killings

Fear and tension have gripped Osun State as political parties and residents brace for the August 15 governorship election following a wave of campaign-related violence that has reportedly claimed 18 lives.

With barely six days left before voters head to the polls, the electioneering period has been overshadowed by bloody clashes, targeted attacks, and rising fears of reprisal violence between rival political factions.

Both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party have separately accused each other of sponsoring political thugs to attack campaign rallies and target party loyalists. Combined statements from both political camps claim that at least 18 members and supporters have been killed in various violent confrontations across the state since campaigning began.

Election monitoring organizations and civil society groups have raised the alarm over the escalation of violence, recording over 40 separate election-related violent clashes and multiple fatalities across several local government areas. Recent incidents in Osogbo neighborhoods, including Egbatedo and Atelewo, resulted in deaths linked to clashes between suspected political thugs, further terrifying local residents and business owners.

To prevent a breakdown of law and order, security authorities have announced the deployment of 15,000 police officers, alongside tactical units and complementary security agencies, to secure voting centers, collation hubs, and major highways.

The massive security deployment has sparked intense debate among political stakeholders. While community leaders and election observers welcome the move as a necessary step to disarm political thugs and protect voters, opposition figures warn that an overbearing police presence could intimidate citizens, create a climate of fear, and lead to low voter turnout on election day.

As security forces move into strategic positions across the state, civil society leaders and electoral officials continue to appeal to political leaders to rein in their supporters and allow Osun voters to exercise their democratic rights peacefully.