By Boluwatife Adedokun
The residents of Osun have expressed growing concerns over the wave of political violence sweeping across the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with many alleging that recent incidents are being fueled by the influence of the Federal Government in an attempt to wrest power from the incumbent administration.
From the forceful takeover of public motor parks by individuals believed to be loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to recurring shootings, attacks on political supporters and killings recorded in different parts of the state in recent months, many residents say Osun is gradually becoming a theatre of political intimidation rather than democratic competition.
The atmosphere of fear has become so pervasive that some voters now question whether they will safely participate in the election, while others believe the violence is part of a broader strategy to suppress voter turnout and influence the outcome of the poll.
The concerns have intensified following the controversial takeover of public motor parks across Osun by APC-backed transport union members, an incident that disrupted commercial activities and sparked violent clashes in some locations.
The development prompted the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun chapter, to suspend the activities of transport unions in public motor parks, citing worsening insecurity and the lingering leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
The motor park crisis came amid months of political tension that have witnessed attacks on party supporters, reports of politically motivated killings, destruction of campaign materials and violent confrontations between rival political groups, raising concerns among civil society organisations, election observers and residents over the safety of voters.
“Motor Park Takeover Has Federal Backings”
For Robot Horimahye, a resident of Osogbo who hails from Delta State, the forceful take over of motor parks represents more than a struggle for transport union leadership.
According to him, the development reflects what he described as a larger political agenda aimed at taking control of Osun State.
“The fight is from the Federal Government. The way they hijacked the garage is how they are planning to hijack Osun too. We already know who will win the election,” he said.
Horimahye argued that the desperation associated with Nigerian politics stems from the country’s political structure, calling for constitutional reforms that would limit elected leaders to a single term in office.
“They should change our Constitution. They should just do one term and not contest again. I believe all these things happening today will reduce.”
He also questioned the conduct of security agencies during the takeover of the motor parks.
“The Federal Government knows about it. The day they came to hijack this park, they were escorted here by policemen.”
‘It Is Not by Force to Govern’
Ajayi Babatunde, a commercial motorcyclist in Osogbo, described the current political atmosphere as disappointing.
“I’m tired already because I don’t expect this. It is not by force to govern a state,” he said.
“They should allow the person the people like to continue, but the opposition party is looking for different means to take over the government.”
Despite the threats, Babatunde believes many residents remain determined to vote.
“God should help us and protect us. People already know where they are going, even with all the threat and fear they are creating in their minds.”
For traders whose businesses depend on daily patronage, the political tension has become a source of fear.
Akinyemi Ayomide, a trader in Osogbo, said the sound of gunshots has become increasingly common, leaving many residents uncertain about their safety.
“As we were here this morning, I already heard gunshots. We have been in a state of panic,” she said.
“We are just begging the politicians and our leaders to let everything be in order. We are already afraid of going out to vote.”
Residents Want Security, Not Violence
Another resident, Femi Olaifa, from Ondo State but living in Osun, said security agencies must maintain a visible presence throughout the election period.
“We should be prayerful. God should enter their hearts,” he said.
“The security should be everywhere so these people cannot be causing violence. They should be at every point until the end of the election.”
His appeal comes amid growing concerns over the capacity of security agencies to prevent further violence before and during the election.
A Pattern of Political Violence
In recent months, the state has witnessed violent confrontations between supporters of rival political parties, attacks on campaign activities, allegations of politically motivated killings and repeated accusations between the ruling Accord Party and the opposition APC over responsibility for the unrest.
The crisis surrounding the control of public motor parks further heightened political tensions after individuals believed to be loyal to the APC assumed control of several parks across the state, an action that the state government and its supporters described as illegal, while APC supporters defended it as the restoration of their mandate.
The development has continued to generate heated political debates, particularly over the role played by federal security agencies during the incidents.
Observer Warns Against Impunity
Election observer Victor Agi said the failure to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of electoral violence has fueled growing distrust ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election.
Speaking on Issues That Matter, a current affairs programme on City Mirror TV, Agi said repeated disruptions of political rallies without consequences had strengthened allegations of bias against security agencies. “I wouldn’t say I have personally observed that the police are not neutral, but it is a valid concern because we have seen rallies disrupted and nobody has been arrested,” he said.
He also warned that the prevailing atmosphere of fear could discourage voter turnout, noting that low participation creates opportunities for electoral manipulation.
Agi urged security agencies to enforce the Electoral Act and ensure a peaceful, free and credible election.
