Osun State Election Marred by Violence and Arrests

Approximately 1.9 million registered voters cast ballots in the Osun State governorship election on August 15, 2026. The contest primarily featured incumbent Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party and Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC). While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reported that 94.5% of polling units opened on time and the process was orderly, the day was marked by severe instability.

Reports of vote-buying surfaced early, with allegations of cash transfers and branded food distribution. Security forces arrested over 100 suspected imported voters at a private residence, while the Nigerian Police Force faced accusations of bias. Governor Adeleke alleged that police personnel aided the APC, citing the arrest of PDP state chairman Sunday Bisi and a midnight raid on lawmaker Ibrahim Inaolaji's home that resulted in 52 arrests. Additionally, police allegedly invaded a Registration Area Centre in Ife East, firing tear gas and carting away election materials.

In contrast, APC candidates and leaders described the atmosphere as peaceful. Bola Oyebamiji and Adegboyega Oyetola praised the high voter turnout and expressed confidence in an APC victory. Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress also cast his vote but alleged widespread manipulation and the exclusion of his party's agents from polling units. Despite these contradictions, domestic observers in Ede reported a peaceful process with effective security coordination.