Amnesty International wants better security for Osun election

Amnesty International on Tuesday urged security agencies and the Nigerian government to stay neutral. They want these bodies to protect the rights of Osun State residents to vote freely in Saturday’s governorship election. This call comes as violence rises ahead of the election.

In a statement on their official X page, the group said they are making this request “amidst disturbing signs of violence, intimidation and allegations of interference.”

Amnesty International mentioned they have noticed signs of possible danger. They called on the right authorities to ensure accountability. They also want an investigation into the recorded incidents, including deaths, and to punish those responsible.

“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 group, known for fighting against human rights abuses, said “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.”

A report from Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), a group that supports democracy and electoral reforms, said there have been at least 73 election-related violent incidents, leading to 29 deaths. This happened as people prepared for the August 15 governorship election.

The report pointed out 12 local government areas at high risk and called for focused security actions and political moves to prevent violence. It noted that these violent incidents seemed to be planned in important areas to reduce voter turnout.

Amnesty International said in Tuesday’s statement that their team “on the ground shows escalating violence and build-up for more clashes in Osogbo, Ede, Ife, Oriade, Ijebu-Ijesha, Ilobu, and Ikire.” They added that reports indicate that supporters of certain politicians are violently targeting their opponents, whether real or perceived.

The group also urged all political parties to stop violence and promise to hold a free and fair election. They highlighted reports of violence, arrests of Osun government officials, and supposed plans to “influence the elections.”

For months now, Governor Ademola Adeleke, who wants a second term, and his party, the Accord Party, have questioned the neutrality of federal bodies, especially the police in Osun State, ahead of Saturday’s election.

One of Mr. Adeleke’s main opponents is Bola Oyebamiji, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is the ruling party at the federal level.

Concerns about the police and federal agencies being neutral have grown in recent weeks. This is partly due to the controversial arrest of Teslim Igbalaye, the Secretary to the Government of Osun State, over unproven vote-buying claims.

Just a week after Mr. Igbalaye’s arrest, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) froze three bank accounts belonging to the Osun State Government. They claimed this was necessary to prevent fraudulent actions involving state funds.

President Bola Tinubu, who belongs to the APC and has a main candidate in the upcoming Osun election, expressed his embarrassment at the timing of the EFCC's actions. He directed the commission to quickly lift the freeze on the state’s bank accounts.