Calls for swift security action as political tensions rise ahead of August governorship election
A senatorial aspirant for Osun Central Senatorial District on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Nathaniel Oduyemi, has condemned the wave of violence and unrest in parts of Osun State ahead of the forthcoming elections, describing the situation as disturbing and unacceptable.
In a statement personally issued on Saturday, Oduyemi expressed deep pain over videos circulating on social media showing alleged political thugs attacking people, destroying property, and causing residents to flee for safety. "The horrifying videos circulating on social media, showing vehicles allegedly conveying political thugs, violent attacks, destruction of property and innocent citizens running for safety, have left me heartbroken," he said .
The aspirant insisted that the violence does not reflect the state's values and reputation. "This is not the Osun we know, and certainly not the image our dear state should be projecting to Nigeria and the international community," he stated .
Oduyemi condemned "every act of political violence, intimidation and lawlessness allegedly perpetrated by individuals associated with any political party," insisting that no political office is worth the loss of lives. "No political ambition is worth the blood of any son or daughter of Osun State. Democracy should be a contest of ideas and vision, not a battlefield where lives are endangered," he added .
Security Concerns Mount
The aspirant's condemnation comes amid rising security concerns in the state ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election. A Civil Society Organisation, Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), recently documented 44 election-related violent incidents across Osun between October 2025 and June 2026, resulting in 13 recorded deaths and several injuries .
In a recent incident, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member, Taofeek Mustapha, sustained gunshot wounds after an attack by suspected political thugs in Osogbo. The victim explained that he was targeted because he was wearing a political cap associated with the APC candidate .
Call for Security Intervention
Oduyemi called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to act swiftly and impartially to prevent the situation from escalating. "The situation must not be allowed to deteriorate beyond control. Those responsible for sponsoring or carrying out acts of violence must be identified, shamed and brought to justice. Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done," he said .
He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and restore peace in the state. "As the leader of the nation, I urge Mr President to ensure that every necessary step is taken to restore calm, protect lives and property, and reassure the people of Osun that democracy will not be undermined by violence," he stated .
Youth Empowerment and Peace
The politician reiterated his commitment to peaceful and issue-based politics, expressing concern over the recruitment of young people as political thugs. "Our youths deserve much better than being recruited as political thugs. They possess enormous talents, intelligence and creativity that should be harnessed for the development of our state and our nation," he said .
Oduyemi urged young people to reject any invitation to engage in violence, warning that "elections will come and go, but the consequences of violence may remain for generations" .
Security Agencies Respond
Meanwhile, security agencies have begun a show of force and formed synergies to smoke out criminals from their hideouts. The Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, enjoined security agencies in the state to collaborate to ensure peace ahead of the election .
The Osun State Police Command has confirmed that investigations have commenced into the recent attacks . The police, alongside other security agencies and electoral stakeholders, have also convened peace meetings to encourage political parties to commit to peaceful campaigns and elections . However, some parties, including the ruling Accord Party and the APC, did not show up for certain meetings .
Oduyemi concluded by praying for peace and urging all stakeholders to work towards preserving democracy in the state. "May wisdom prevail over anger, dialogue over violence, and peace over conflict. Together, let us preserve the sanctity of our democracy and build an Osun State where every citizen can live without fear," he said .
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politics