Osun Decides 2026: As Polls Near, Violence Fears and Political Claims Heighten Tension
Osun Decides 2026: Ademola Adeleke, Bola Oyebamiji and Najeem Salaam headline the race for Osun governorship By Victor Olubiye Two days before Osun voters decide who will occupy the Government House, concerns over political violence, disputed allegations and an internal crisis within the Accord Party are adding to the tension surrounding Saturday’s governorship election. The election, scheduled for August 15, is expected to pit incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of Accord against the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salaam, among other contenders. But beyond the battle for votes, concerns about the safety of voters, party supporters and residents have become a major issue as the state approaches election day. Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), which has been monitoring election-related violence in Osun, reported in July that the state recorded 56 such incidents over the preceding 12 months, w...