OSOGBO, OSUN STATE — Political tension is mounting in Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, as hundreds of women took to the streets of Osogbo on Monday to protest alleged killings, voter intimidation and political violence.

The demonstrators marched through major streets of the state capital before proceeding to the Osun State Police Command, where they demanded stronger guarantees for the safety of voters before, during and after Saturday’s election.

The protest was led by Osun State First Lady, Titilola Adeleke, who was joined by the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Ayobola Awolowo, and other women. The protesters reportedly marched from Lameco through the West Bypass to the police command headquarters, where they submitted a petition to the police authorities.

Carrying placards with messages calling for an end to electoral violence, the women said residents should be able to go to polling units, cast their ballots and return home without fear of attacks or intimidation.

They appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to ensure neutrality and protect voters irrespective of their political affiliations. The protesters also called for investigations into reported incidents of violence and prosecution of anyone found responsible.

The women further raised concerns over alleged arrests of political actors in the state. Adeleke alleged that some leaders of the Accord Party, on whose platform Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking re-election, were being targeted for arrest ahead of the election.

The allegations come amid claims by the governor’s campaign organisation that more than 60 Accord Party leaders and members had been detained by the police. The campaign council described the arrests as unlawful and appealed to Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu to intervene. The police have previously denied allegations that their operations in the state were politically motivated.

Concerns over election-related violence have grown in recent months. According to figures attributed to the Kimpact Development Initiative, 44 election-related violent incidents and 13 fatalities were recorded in Osun between October 2025 and June 2026. Separately, the APC and Accord Party have claimed that a combined 18 of their members were killed during the electioneering period, although that figure has not been independently established as a single verified death toll.

Several communities, including Osogbo, Ede, Ife, Oriade, Ijebu-Ijesha, Ilobu and Ikire, have featured prominently in reports of political clashes and security concerns in the build-up to the election.

Responding to the protesters, Commissioner of Police Samuel Etaifo, who is overseeing security for the election, assured residents that the police would work to provide an atmosphere conducive to a peaceful poll.

Etaifo said he had been deployed on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police to stabilise the security situation and build public confidence ahead of election day. He said the police would review the issues raised by the protesters and adjust their security strategy where necessary.

The Nigeria Police Force has already announced the deployment of about 15,000 personnel for the governorship election. The deployment will include conventional officers, Police Mobile Force personnel, specialist units, medical teams and the police dog section, while senior officers including a Deputy Inspector-General and an Assistant Inspector-General are expected to supervise the operation.

Police authorities have also warned that anyone found disrupting the election or violating electoral laws will face prosecution, regardless of political status or affiliation.

With only days remaining before voters head to the polls, security has emerged as one of the biggest issues surrounding the Osun governorship election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed Saturday, August 15, 2026, for the election, which is expected to be a closely watched contest involving incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji and ADC candidate Najeem Salaam, among others.

For residents and political stakeholders, attention is now turning to whether the heavy security deployment and appeals for restraint will be enough to prevent further violence and ensure that voters can exercise their franchise peacefully