The Imole Campaign Council urges security agencies to prevent intimidation and protect voters ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election
The Imole Campaign Council, the campaign organisation backing Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has raised an alarm over alleged political violence and intimidation ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, urging security agencies to take decisive steps to protect voters and preserve the integrity of the poll.
Also read: Adeleke promises bigger Osun development if re-elected
The council’s spokesman, Pelumi Olajengbesi, made the call in a statement issued on Sunday, expressing concern over what the organisation described as growing reports of intimidation and violence linked to political activities across the state.
The warning comes as political parties intensify their campaigns ahead of the closely watched election, with the rival All Progressives Congress seeking to regain control of Osun State.
According to the Imole Campaign Council, its engagements with voters and communities across Osun indicated widespread anxiety over the security situation surrounding the election.
“Our independent assessment and engagements with voters across the state reveal a common sentiment.
The people of Osun are prepared to vote decisively against the APC, driven largely by widespread concerns over what many residents describe as a pattern of political intimidation, violence, and insecurity allegedly associated with actors loyal to the opposition party,” the council said.
The allegations have not been independently established, and the APC has not been quoted as responding to the claims in the statement.
The campaign council also sought to place Governor Adeleke’s record at the centre of the election debate, arguing that the administration’s performance would influence voters when they head to the polls.
It highlighted the payment of workers’ salaries, infrastructure projects, efforts to revitalise public institutions and investments in social welfare as areas where it said the governor’s administration had made progress.
“Under the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, workers receive their salaries promptly, infrastructure is being modernised, public institutions are being revitalised, and investments are being made in the welfare of the people,” the council said.
The group argued that voters would reject any attempt to return the state to what it described as a period marked by insecurity and poor governance.
With concerns over Osun election violence becoming part of the political conversation, the campaign council called on the Inspector General of Police, the Department of State Services and other relevant security agencies to remain impartial while protecting citizens and electoral officials.
“We urge security agencies to identify, dismantle, and prosecute all criminal networks involved in political violence, regardless of the political interests they serve,” the council said.
The appeal comes amid heightened political activity across Osun, where the election is expected to attract significant attention because of the state’s importance in the South-West political landscape.
The council stressed that security agencies must ensure that political disagreements do not translate into threats against voters or other participants in the electoral process.
It further maintained that the responsibility for determining the next governor rests ultimately with the electorate.
“The decision on August 15 belongs to the people of Osun State. They deserve an election that reflects their freely expressed will, not one manipulated through fear, violence, or coercion,” the council added.
The call for a peaceful poll places renewed attention on the role of security agencies in safeguarding the electoral process.
Also read: Adeleke demands arrest of political thugs in Osun
As campaigning enters its decisive phase, the ability of authorities to prevent violence and ensure that voters can participate without intimidation will be critical to the credibility of the August 15 election.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
