Osun Election Tension: Accord Party Member Allegedly Hunted Down, Killed as Political Violence Rocks State
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Grace Chidimma Ibe
Tension has heightened across Osun State on the eve of Saturday’s governorship election following the reported killing of a member of the Accord Party in Omi Eran Atijo community.
According to reports, the victim, identified in emerging accounts as Sunday Obube, was allegedly attacked by suspected political thugs believed to be linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC). SaharaReporters reported that the incident occurred at about 6:00 a.m. on Friday in Omi Eran Atijo.
Witness accounts cited in reports said the victim was returning from a political meeting when he was allegedly pursued by attackers riding motorcycles. Gunshots and cries were reportedly heard during the incident, before the victim was fatally attacked.
The circumstances surrounding the killing remain under investigation, and the allegations linking the attackers to the APC have not been independently established. The APC and Accord have, however, traded accusations over a series of violent incidents reported across Osun in the days leading to the election.
The latest incident comes amid a growing atmosphere of fear in the state. Accord officials have condemned the alleged killing and called on security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible. The party has also alleged that its members and supporters have been subjected to attacks in different parts of the state.
The APC, meanwhile, has also accused opposition supporters of involvement in violence. The party recently raised concerns over alleged activities capable of disrupting Saturday’s election and called on the police and Department of State Services to investigate.
Reactions and Analysts’ Views
Political observers say the latest incident is particularly disturbing because it occurred only one day before the August 15 governorship election, when heightened emotions could easily trigger retaliatory attacks.
Analysts warn that political violence could discourage voters from turning out, particularly in communities where residents fear clashes between rival supporters. They argue that security agencies must not only investigate reported killings but also prevent revenge attacks and protect voters, party agents and electoral officials.
The concern is reinforced by a wider pattern of violence reported in Osun during the election build-up. Channels Television reported that a resident of Esa-Oke was killed and another person injured, while the police confirmed the killing but did not comment on the circumstances.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has also condemned recent killings and directed security agencies to intensify surveillance and investigate reported attacks.
The 2026 Osun State governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, with the contest attracting intense competition among major political parties, including Accord, APC and ADC. The election has generated increasing concern over security following allegations of attacks, threats and politically motivated violence.
Osun, located in Nigeria’s South-West region, has a history of politically charged electoral contests. With the latest killing coming just hours before voting begins, community leaders and civil society groups have urged politicians and their supporters to exercise restraint.
Security agencies are expected to maintain heightened deployment across the state as voters prepare to cast their ballots.
The priority, analysts say, is now clear: prevent further bloodshed, establish the facts behind reported killings and ensure that Osun voters can freely exercise their constitutional right to vote.
