OSOGBO, Nigeria — Political activities are intensifying across Osun State as candidates and their supporters step up campaigns ahead of the governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has confirmed that 14 candidates will contest the election. Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking a second term on the platform of the Accord Party, while Bola Oyebamiji is representing the All Progressives Congress

Security and the neutrality of law-enforcement agencies have emerged as major issues in the final weeks of the campaign. Adeleke’s campaign council has asked the Inspector-General of Police to guarantee a peaceful, violence-free and impartial election.

The Accord Party has also petitioned President Bola Tinubu and the police leadership over alleged intimidation and politically motivated arrests of its members. The party further called on international organisations and foreign governments to pay attention to the security situation in the state. The allegations have not been independently verified.

Tension was also reported during an INEC stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo, where supporters of the Accord Party and the APC exchanged accusations. Police authorities appealed to political actors to avoid inflammatory statements and resolve disagreements through lawful channels.

Meanwhile, a governorship debate organised by four private radio stations was cancelled after organisers cited unfavourable security reports and the reluctance of some leading candidates to participate. The cancellation generated criticism from residents and candidates who said voters had been denied an opportunity to assess those seeking to govern the state.

INEC’s recent mock accreditation exercise also recorded technical difficulties with some Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices at selected polling centers. The development has increased scrutiny of the commission’s preparations, although electoral officials have continued to assure residents that necessary measures are being taken to conduct a credible poll.