The European Union-backed Election Observation Hub has raised fresh concerns over the security and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, reporting a worrying pattern of violence and electoral offences ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
The development comes as voters across Osun State head to the polls today, August 15, 2026, in an election that has been closely watched because of the heightened political tension surrounding the contest.
The Election Observation Hub, operating under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme, has been monitoring the political and security environment ahead of the election. The group comprises the Kukah Centre, TAF Africa, Nigeria Women Trust Fund, Yiaga Africa, International Press Centre, Centre for Media and Society and ElectHER.
The latest concerns come against the background of numerous incidents recorded during the build-up to the election, including political clashes, attacks on party supporters, destruction of campaign materials, alleged intimidation and other activities capable of undermining a peaceful election.
The Hub had earlier identified 13 of Osun State’s 30 local government areas as high-risk areas, following assessments of politically motivated violence, kidnapping, cult-related activities and other threats. It also warned that the prolonged dispute over control of local government councils had increased political tension and created additional risks for the election.
Among the areas identified as vulnerable are Irewole, Osogbo, Boripe, Obokun, Ife North, Ife Central and parts of Ijesaland.
The security concerns have been reinforced by previous violent incidents involving supporters of the major political parties. The Nation reported that the state had recorded several politically related attacks, including clashes between Accord and APC supporters, attacks on campaign offices and killings of party members in different communities.
The situation has prompted security agencies to increase their presence across the state. The police have identified numerous flashpoints and deployed additional personnel and intelligence officers to areas considered particularly vulnerable.
The EU-SDGN Election Observation Hub has urged security agencies to remain neutral and professional, warning that any perception of bias could undermine confidence in the electoral process. It has also called for intelligence-led operations capable of preventing violence before it occurs rather than relying solely on responses after attacks.
The organisation has similarly expressed concern about vote buying, voter intimidation, misinformation and disinformation, particularly through social media platforms. It has called on political parties and their supporters to respect the rules of the election and pursue grievances through lawful channels.
The Osun election is particularly significant because it comes shortly after the June 20 Ekiti governorship election and is being viewed as another major test of Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With political competition remaining intense in Osun, observers say the credibility of the election will depend not only on the conduct of voters and political parties but also on the neutrality of security agencies, the professionalism of electoral officials and the transparency of result collation.
The Election Observation Hub has urged voters to participate peacefully and report incidents of violence, vote buying and other electoral malpractice to the appropriate authorities.
The major contestants in today’s election include incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) of the APC, and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The outcome will therefore be closely watched not only in Osun but across Nigeria, particularly because the election is expected to provide another indication of the country’s preparedness for the politically crucial 2027 elections.
