Osun NUJ Condemns Rising Political Violence Ahead of Governorship Election
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, has condemned the rising wave of political violence in the state ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, describing the development as a threat to peace and democracy.
The Council expressed concern over the increasing cases of killings, intimidation and destruction of property associated with political activities, warning that the trend could undermine the credibility of the electoral process if not urgently addressed.
In a statement by the Osun NUJ Chairman, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, and the Secretary, Comrade Olalekan Akindoju, the Council noted a report from the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), which indicated that 44 election-related violent incidents were recorded across Osun State between October 2025 and June 2026, resulting in 13 deaths.
The Council noted that the figures should serve as a wake-up call to all stakeholders, stressing that no political ambition is worth the loss of human lives.
The Osun NUJ called on security agencies to intensify efforts to prevent further violence by protecting lives and property, maintaining professionalism and impartiality, and ensuring that perpetrators of violence are brought to justice regardless of their political affiliations.
The Council also urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to commit themselves to peaceful campaigns and issue-based politics, while cautioning political leaders against making inflammatory statements capable of inciting violence.
According to the Council, political actors have a responsibility to restrain their supporters and place the overall interest of the state above personal and partisan considerations.
It further appealed to residents of the state, particularly young people, not to allow themselves to be recruited as agents of violence, emphasizing that their lives and future should not be sacrificed for political interests.
The Council reaffirmed the commitment of journalists in the state to promoting responsible journalism, factual reporting and public enlightenment throughout the electioneering period.
It also urged media practitioners to uphold the ethics of the profession by avoiding sensational reports capable of escalating political tension.