Oriontimes News Desk| July 15, 2026
OSOGBO – The Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council has appealed to the British High Commission and the international community to closely monitor the build-up to the August 15, 2026 governorship election, alleging a pattern of political violence, intimidation and targeted attacks against its members across the state.
Speaking on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the British High Commission to the APC Campaign Office in Osogbo, the party's governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, said the visit reflected the growing international interest in ensuring Nigeria's democratic processes remain credible, peaceful and transparent.
Oyebamiji told the delegation that the APC Campaign Council was deeply concerned about what it described as an escalating wave of politically motivated violence allegedly directed at its members and supporters. According to him, the situation, if left unchecked, could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and threaten the peaceful conduct of the governorship election.
The APC candidate said the party had consistently reported its concerns to security agencies, adding that the Inspector-General of Police was recently briefed on allegations of criminal activities and security challenges in Osun State during his visit.
He maintained that all allegations should be subjected to thorough, impartial and professional investigation in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Presenting what he described as the party's record of politically related attacks since 2022, Oyebamiji alleged that more than 40 APC members and supporters had been killed or attacked in separate incidents across the state.
Among the cases highlighted were the killings of APC chieftain and NURTW leader, Tajudeen Rabiu, in Osogbo in 2022; Waheed, whose murder the party described as particularly gruesome; Muraina Olayiwola; Olalekan Ososondi; and Ismail Dudu of Ota Efun.
He also cited the November 2025 killing of APC member and NURTW leader in Ilesa, Adeboye Ademoroti, popularly known as Gernanee, alleging that several of the incidents involved individuals linked to political office holders in the state.
The APC flag bearer further referenced the abduction and subsequent death of Saheed Oyegunju during the 2023 presidential campaign, the killing of Irewole Local Government Chairman, Hon. Remi Abass, in February 2025, as well as the recent deaths of Akeem in Otan Ayegbaju, Kazeem Oyebamiji, popularly known as Mosquito, in Osogbo, and Muideen Alowonle in Ilesa.
He urged the British High Commission and other international observers to sustain close engagement with political stakeholders and election management institutions before, during and after the election.
According to him, increased international observation and advocacy for peaceful democratic conduct would help strengthen public confidence in the electoral process and discourage acts capable of disrupting the election.
Despite the concerns raised, Oyebamiji reaffirmed the APC's commitment to democratic principles, constitutional governance and peaceful political participation.
He said the party had consistently advised its members and supporters to remain law-abiding, reject violence and cooperate with security agencies.
"As we approach Election Day, we remain committed to conducting our campaign peacefully and responsibly while encouraging every political actor to place the interest of democracy and the people of Osun State above every other consideration," he said.
The APC governorship candidate expressed appreciation to the British High Commission for its continued interest in supporting credible democratic processes in Nigeria, expressing optimism that the collective efforts of all stakeholders would guarantee a peaceful election where eligible voters could exercise their constitutional rights without fear, intimidation or violence.
The allegations made by the APC candidate reflect the party's position as presented during the meeting. Independent verification of the specific claims and allegations was not immediately available, and individuals named in connection with the allegations have publicly denied wrongdoing in previous instances or may not have responded to the latest claims.
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