Amnesty International has raised the alarm over escalating violence and intimidation ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, warning Nigerian authorities to take urgent steps to prevent a bloody poll.
The human rights organisation said at least 29 people had been killed in 73 incidents across the state, while its investigations indicated an increasing risk of further clashes in several parts of Osun.
In a statement by its Social Media and Communications Officer, Michael Christian, Amnesty said its teams on the ground had identified Osogbo, Ede, Ife, Oriade, Ijebu-Ijesha, Ilobu and Ikire as areas where tensions and violence were escalating.
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“The Nigerian authorities must fulfil their obligation to promote, protect, respect, and fulfil human rights amidst disturbing signs of violence, intimidation and allegations of interference, ahead of the Osun State gubernatorial election slated for 15 August 2026,” the organisation said.
Amnesty said it had received disturbing reports of violence, arrests of state government officials and allegations of plans to influence the election.
It called on the authorities to ensure that those responsible for previous acts of violence were held accountable, warning that failure to prosecute perpetrators could further fuel instability and create an atmosphere of impunity ahead of the election.
The organisation also accused supporters of some politicians of violently targeting political opponents, either real or perceived.
“Fueling the instability and impunity in the state, are reports of supporters of some politicians violently targeting political opponents, real or perceived,” it said.
Amnesty urged security agencies and other relevant authorities to investigate such incidents and bring suspected perpetrators to justice.
It said the warning signs should be treated as an indication of the potential for serious violence during the election, urging the government to take preventive measures rather than wait for violence to occur.
“The potential turmoil being stirred up by various groups ahead of the gubernatorial election in Osun State should send a clear signal to the Nigerian authorities of the imminent violence ahead of the polls and government must take active steps to prevent bloody poll,” the organisation said.
The rights group also stressed the need for security agencies and authorities at all levels to remain politically neutral throughout the electoral process.
It warned against actions that could either favour a political party or candidate or create the perception that state institutions were being used to influence the outcome of the election.
“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,” Amnesty said.
The organisation further called on all political parties and candidates to publicly renounce violence and commit themselves to a free and fair election.
It said the people of Osun State must be allowed to exercise their democratic rights without intimidation, violence or interference.
“The right of the people of Osun state to vote freely and fairly in an atmosphere of respect for human rights must be upheld,” Amnesty said.
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The warning comes amid heightened political tensions in Osun State as political parties intensify campaigns and mobilisation ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
Amnesty said the responsibility for ensuring a peaceful election rests not only with political actors but also with the Nigerian authorities and security agencies, who must protect voters and uphold fundamental rights throughout the electoral process.
