Osun Election: Accord Party Member Reportedly Killed in Fresh Attack Hours Before Poll

Tension has risen in Osun State following the reported killing of a member of the Accord Party, just hours before residents are scheduled to vote in Saturday’s governorship election.

The incident reportedly occurred early Friday morning in the Omi Eran Atijo community, with sources cited by multiple Nigerian news outlets putting the time of the attack at about 6:00 a.m. The victim was identified by Daily Post as Sunday Obube, although some reports initially said his identity had not been officially confirmed.

According to accounts of the incident, the victim was allegedly pursued by armed assailants before he was caught and killed. A video said to be connected with the incident circulated online, reportedly showing the body of the deceased in a drainage channel. The circumstances surrounding the footage and the attack have not been independently established by an official security investigation.

Reports have linked the victim to the Accord Party, which is participating in the governorship election. However, claims concerning the political identity or affiliation of the suspected attackers remain allegations and should not be treated as established facts.

SaharaReporters quoted sources who alleged that the attackers were suspected to be associated with the All Progressives Congress (APC). Those allegations have not, however, been independently verified, and no official police statement establishing the identities or political affiliations of the attackers was cited in the reports reviewed.

The latest incident comes amid heightened political tension in Osun ahead of the August 15 governorship poll. The state has witnessed other reports of election-related violence in the period leading to the election, raising concerns about the safety of voters, candidates, party agents and other electoral stakeholders.

The atmosphere has been further charged by allegations and counter-allegations between the major political camps. Political parties have accused opposing groups of attacking their supporters, making it particularly important for security agencies to establish the facts surrounding individual incidents rather than allowing unverified claims to fuel further tension.

Security preparations have meanwhile been intensified across the state. Channels Television reported on Friday that security personnel had been deployed in large numbers at the Independent National Electoral Commission office in Osogbo as preparations for the election entered their final stage.

The Independent National Electoral Commission said 2,339,233 voters are registered in Osun, while 1,906,390 Permanent Voter Cards had been collected ahead of the election. Voting is scheduled to take place across 3,763 polling units, 332 wards and the state’s 30 local government areas.

The reported killing has therefore added to calls for security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and prevent further violence. The death also underscores concerns that political disagreements could undermine public confidence in the electoral process if adequate security measures are not sustained.

As Osun residents prepare to choose their next governor, the immediate priority remains the protection of lives and the preservation of a peaceful voting environment. Until authorities complete their investigation, allegations regarding those behind the latest killing should be treated as unverified, while any person found responsible should face the full weight of the law.