Violence Escalates in Osun State Ahead of Governorship Election

Violence and death threats have escalated in Osun State leading up to the governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026. Thugs loyal to the ruling Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been involved in killings, including the reported shooting of four APC members in Ilesa. Senator Francis Fadahunsi of the APC allegedly ordered the killing of opposition members in retaliation, while other APC supporters have threatened to sever the fingers of voters who do not support the party.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of Nigeria, previously stated during a meeting with the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria that "all is fair in politics." This philosophy has come under scrutiny as the state faces instability. Former presidential aide Laolu Akande characterized the current unrest and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's attempt to freeze the Osun State government's accounts as a dangerous precedent.

Akande argues that the events in Osun serve as a test of the president's political stance and signal the potential environment for the 2027 general elections.