Jun 28, 2026

APC Denies Role in Osun Political Violence as Election Tensions Rise

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in politics

👁️ loading views...

Osogbo, Osun State — In a sharply worded rebuttal amid escalating concerns over pre-election clashes, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Osun State has firmly rejected accusations linking his party to a surge in political violence ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election.

Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, speaking to journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, June 28, 2026, described attempts to implicate the APC and its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, as the work of “desperate politicians” seeking to tarnish the party’s image.

“Neither the APC nor Oyebamiji has any connection with individuals or groups using the party’s name to perpetrate violence and foment unrest,” Oyintiloye stated.

The denial comes as stakeholders across Osun express alarm over a documented wave of election-related violence.

According to the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), 44 such incidents were recorded between October 2025 and June 2026, resulting in at least 13 deaths.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, has strongly condemned the trend, warning it threatens peace, democracy, and the credibility of the electoral process.

Killings, intimidation, property destruction, and attacks on campaign materials have created an atmosphere of fear among residents.

Security agencies, including the police, have held stakeholder meetings with political parties, INEC, and military representatives to address the crisis. Calls for impartiality and proactive intervention have grown louder, with accusations flying between the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) camp, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, and the opposition APC.

Bola Oyebamiji, a former Commissioner for Finance in Osun and ex-Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), emerged as the APC’s consensus governorship candidate.

His campaign has emphasized inclusive governance, economic prosperity, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Oyintiloye, a seasoned party figure and former lawmaker, has previously highlighted the APC’s grassroots strength despite some defections, positioning the party as a formidable force aiming to reclaim power in the state.

Opposition voices, however, have pointed to specific incidents, including the killing of a 14-year-old boy in Ilobu and attacks on supporters, alleging APC involvement—claims the party has consistently denied.

As the election draws near, the situation underscores deeper challenges in Nigerian politics: the persistent use of thuggery, the vulnerability of grassroots democracy, and the human cost of power struggles.

Women, children, and ordinary citizens often bear the brunt, as noted by peace advocates.

Analysts warn that unchecked violence could erode public trust in the process, discourage voter participation, and invite heavier security crackdowns or legal interventions.

Civil society groups and media bodies are urging all parties to commit to issue-based campaigns and reject provocation.

Oyintiloye’s statement reflects a familiar defensive posture in Nigeria’s heated political arena, where blame-shifting often accompanies genuine security concerns.

Whether this denial helps de-escalate tensions or fuels further polarization remains to be seen in the coming weeks.

For now, Osun residents navigate a tense environment, hopeful that dialogue, security vigilance, and civic responsibility will prevail over partisan rivalry.

Peaceful, credible elections in Osun would not only shape the state’s future but serve as a litmus test for democratic maturity ahead of other polls.