The Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) has raised concerns over escalating violence ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State, warning that stakeholders must act urgently to prevent further deterioration of the security situation.
The organisation said the forthcoming election should be remembered for peaceful participation and credible competition rather than violence, intimidation and loss of lives.
Speaking in a statement issued on Thursday in Osogbo, KDI Executive Director, Bukola Idowu, said recent incidents across the state constituted serious warning signs that should not be ignored.
“The 2026 Governorship Election should be remembered for peaceful participation, credible competition, informed citizen choice, and the collective maturity of stakeholders, not for bloodshed, intimidation, and fear,” the organisation stated.
KDI disclosed that its pre-election observation and violence monitoring activities recorded 44 election-related violent incidents across Osun State between October 2025 and June 2026, resulting in 13 fatalities, several injuries and destruction of property.
According to the organisation, more than half of the incidents were recorded within the last two months.
“Twenty-six of the 44 verified election-related incidents during the monitoring period occurred in May and June 2026 alone, representing 59.1 per cent of all verified election-related violence,” KDI said.
The group noted that the concentration of incidents so close to the election date should be treated as an early warning signal requiring immediate preventive measures from political actors, security agencies and electoral stakeholders.
KDI also identified Osogbo Local Government Area, particularly Olaiya, Oke Fia and Aregbe, as locations recording a high concentration of election-related violence, while reports from Owode-Ede and other communities continue to raise concerns over public safety.
The organisation expressed sadness over the death of 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade, who reportedly died following a violent incident in llobu, Irepodun Local Government Area.
“The death of this young citizen is a painful reminder that unchecked political and communal violence leaves irreversible consequences on families, communities, and the democratic process itself,” the statement read.
KDI called for a thorough investigation into the incident and other reported acts of violence, urging authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
As part of efforts to promote peace, the organisation announced the establishment of the Osun State Peace and Mediation Working Committee, a multi-stakeholder platform designed to facilitate dialogue, mediation and conflict prevention before, during and after the election.
The committee, according to KDI, will work with political parties, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), traditional rulers, religious leaders, women and youth groups, civil society organisations and community leaders.
KDI urged political parties and candidates to conduct issue-based campaigns and caution supporters against violence, intimidation and hate speech.
It also called on security agencies to deploy preventive measures in identified flashpoints and ensure that perpetrators of violence are prosecuted irrespective of their political affiliations.
“Political leaders must not wait for violence to worsen before choosing peace. Security agencies must not wait for lives to be lost before acting preventively,” the organisation stated.
The group further appealed to residents to reject violence and resist attempts to use them as tools for electoral unrest.
“The lives of Osun citizens matter. The credibility of the election matters. The peace of communities matters,” KDI added.
The organisation reiterated its commitment to supporting peaceful, credible, inclusive and secure elections in Osun State and across Nigeria.
