Amnesty International has called on security agencies and the Nigerian government at all levels to remain neutral and protect the rights of Osun State residents to vote freely in Saturday's governorship election, amid escalating violence in the lead-up to the poll. In a statement shared on its official X page, the global human rights group said it made the call “amidst disturbing signs of violence, intimidation and allegations of interference.”
Rising Violence and Reported Deaths
The group said it had seen signals of looming danger, urging relevant authorities to ensure accountability and investigate recorded incidents, including deaths, and bring perpetrators to book. “The authorities at all levels and security agencies must stand neutral and not engage in any act that may or can be perceived to favour any political party or candidate. The right of the people of Osun State to vote freely and fairly in an atmosphere of respect for human rights must be upheld,” the statement read.
Amnesty International, a global movement campaigning against human rights abuses, stressed that “Nigerian authorities must fulfil their obligation to promote, protect, respect, and fulfil human rights…ahead of the Osun State gubernatorial election slated for 15 August 2026.”
KDI Report: 73 Incidents, 29 Deaths
A report by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), a pro-democracy and electoral reforms advocacy organisation, released on Monday, said no fewer than 73 election-related violent incidents resulting in 29 deaths have been recorded in the build-up to the election. The report identified 12 high-risk local government areas and called for targeted security operations and political interventions to prevent further violence. It also noted that the violent incidents appeared to be strategically instigated in politically significant locations to suppress voter turnout.
Amnesty International said in Tuesday's statement that its investigation team “on the ground shows escalating violence and build-up for more clashes in Osogbo, Ede, Ife, Oriade, Ijebu-Ijesha, Ilobu, and Ikire. Fueling the instability and impunity in the state are reports of supporters of some politicians violently targeting political opponents, real or perceived.” The group also urged all political parties to desist from violence and commit to a free and fair election.
Concerns Over Federal Institutions' Neutrality
Amnesty International noted that it had received reports of violence, arrests of Osun government officials, and alleged plans to “influence the elections.” For months, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking a second term in office, and his party, the Accord Party, have questioned the neutrality of federal institutions, particularly the police command in the state, ahead of the election. Among Adeleke's main rivals is Bola Oyebamiji, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party controlling the federal government.
Concerns about the neutrality of the police and key federal agencies have intensified in recent weeks following the controversial arrest of the Secretary to the Government of Osun State, Teslim Igbalaye, over an unsubstantiated vote-buying allegation. Barely a week after Igbalaye's arrest, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) froze three bank accounts of the Osun State Government, saying it was necessary to stop a fraudulent diversion of state funds. President Bola Tinubu, who also belongs to the APC fielding a candidate in the election, said he was embarrassed by the timing of the EFCC's steps and directed the commission to immediately lift the freeze order on the state's bank accounts.
