Osun residents hide party affiliation amid pre-election violence and killings

The Nigeria Police Force has documented at least 30 such killings. The election is anticipated to be a three-way contest involving incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Party. In response to the escalating violence, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu announced the deployment of at least four police officers to each polling unit, describing it as one of the largest security operations in Osun.

Despite this, anxiety persists in some areas, with residents wary of being mistaken for supporters of rival parties. The Osun State Civil Societies Coalition Chairman, Waheed Lawal, noted the tense atmosphere and perceived bias of security agencies, alleging that some political actors are creating fear to deter voters. Emmanuel Olowu, Executive Director of Socio-Economic and Civic Rights Advocacy, attributed the tension to the desperation of political actors.

Lamina Kamiludeen, Executive Director of the World Institute for Peace, stated that 14 lives were lost between January and August, while police figures indicate 30 politically motivated killings. He warned that violence could continue post-election and urged the winner to address cultism and political thuggery. The Accord