Osun poll: Observer group identifies 17 violent incidents, 44 victims

An election observer group, Kimpact Development Initiative, reported 17 violent incidents and over 44 victims during the Osun State governorship election held on August 15, 2026. The incidents, which included gunshots, physical assaults, intimidation and harassment, were documented by the group's Election Day Data Room. The violence occurred in 10 Local Government Areas, with Ejigbo and Osogbo recording the highest number of incidents, each accounting for 17.6 percent.

KDI Executive Director Bukola Idowu stated that the violence disrupted voting at Iroyin Ayo Open Space, leading to the cancellation of the election there. Despite the incidents, KDI noted that the election-day violence was relatively localised and did not result in widespread disruption across the state. However, the group warned that the security situation remained a concern, with 81 election-related violence incidents and 15 fatalities recorded between October 2025 and August 2026.

KDI called for the prompt investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the violence, as well as greater transparency in the handling of electoral offences.