Osun 2026: Fact-Finding Mission Warns of Tight Governorship Race

….Possible Violence, Voter Apathy

A three-day fact-finding mission in Osun State has raised concerns over the competitiveness of the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, warning that the contest could be closely fought between the incumbent and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.

The team, which conducted assessments across Osogbo and other parts of the state, observed that the electorate is sharply divided ahead of the election.

According to the findings, political discussions have become widespread in public places, including pubs, drinking bars and other gathering points, with voters expressing divergent opinions on the candidates and likely outcome of the election.

The mission consequently called for close monitoring of the political environment before and during the poll, particularly given the possibility of violence in some parts of the state.

It also identified voter apathy as another major concern, stressing that low turnout could significantly affect the outcome of the election.
The report recommended an urgent intensification of voter and political education across the state ahead of Saturday’s poll.

It specifically called for credible civil society organisations to embark on last-minute political education campaigns and sensitisation walks across the three senatorial districts.

The mission also recommended increased appearances by civic actors and election stakeholders on radio and television programmes to educate and mobilise voters to turn out early on election day.

In addition, it urged the mobilisation of credible and friendly civil society organisations to deploy observers across the state to monitor the election process and report developments.

The team stressed that proactive voter education, effective election observation and close monitoring of potentially volatile areas would be critical to ensuring a peaceful and credible governorship election in Osun State.