NOW THAT THE OSUN ELECTION IS OVER
The much anticipated Osun State governorship election has been won and lost, bringing to an end weeks of intense political activities, anxiety and uncertainty across the state. While the outcome
The tumultuous Osun State governorship election has concluded, leaving behind a legacy of political turmoil and tragedy. With the election's outcome, a winner emerged, yet the campaign was marred by a disturbing array of violent incidents, deaths, and misconduct. At least 34 election-related violent events, coupled with 18 fatalities, were documented in Osun from May 2026, although more severe figures have surfaced.
The lives lost were tragic and avoidable, a stark reminder that no election or ambition should come at the cost of human life. The Osun people deserved a peaceful choice, unburdened by the fear of attack or murder due to their political allegiance. It is imperative that the state and the nation do not merely overlook the election's conclusion, but rather delve into the violence's root causes and ensure accountability.
Questions demand answers: who was behind the killings and other acts of violence, how many suspects were apprehended and prosecuted, and were the perpetrators acting independently or under political influence? These inquiries cannot be dismissed as partisan; they are essential for justice and preventing future violence. The Osun election revealed a troubling pattern of politically motivated killings and clashes, underscoring the urgency for a thorough investigation.
The recent use of threatening and inflammatory language by some politicians and public officials further exacerbated the situation, with statements attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi sparking widespread concern. The National Human Rights Commission deemed these remarks capable of inciting electoral violence and voter intimidation.
Political leaders must recognize that words carry weight, especially when directed at supporters who may interpret them as a call to action. Additionally, the unexplained pause in the transmission of election results through INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV) warrants serious attention. After thousands of polling unit results had been uploaded, the portal remained inactive for over two hours, creating public unease despite the possibility of an innocent technical glitch.
INEC should provide a transparent explanation for this disruption to restore trust in the electoral process. While commendations are due to the security forces for maintaining order during the election, the same entities must conduct a comprehensive investigation into the pre-election violence. Accountability alongside professionalism is crucial, ensuring that those responsible for political killings and threats face justice.
Governor Ademola Adeleke's new term offers an opportunity to heal divisions and foster unity, recognizing that the Osun people are a diverse community with varying political choices. The governor's role now transcends his electoral victory, requiring him to act as a unifier for the entire state. INEC must also scrutinize all aspects of the Osun election, including the IReV issues and other concerns, to improve future electoral processes.
The true measure of Osun's success will be determined not just by the election's outcome, but by whether Nigeria learns from this experience to ensure future contests are conducted with ballots, not bullets. Tochukwu Jimo Obi, from Anambra State, emphasizes that the Osun election's true legacy will be shaped by how the nation responds to its aftermath.
Written by urgent.news from This Day's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
