The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, has expressed deep concern over the growing wave of political violence in the state ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, warning that the development could jeopardise public safety and the integrity of the electoral process.
The union said recent incidents of killings, intimidation and destruction of property linked to political activities have heightened fears of insecurity, stressing that urgent intervention is required to prevent the situation from deteriorating.
In a statement jointly signed by the Osun NUJ Chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin, and the Secretary, Olalekan Akindoju, the Council cited findings by the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), which documented 44 election-related violent incidents across Osun State between October 2025 and June 2026.
According to the report referenced by the union, the incidents claimed 13 lives, a development the NUJ described as disturbing and unacceptable.
“The figures should serve as a wake-up call to all stakeholders. No political ambition is worth the loss of human lives,” the statement read.
The Council called on security agencies to strengthen efforts to safeguard lives and property before, during and after the election.
It urged law enforcement agencies to remain professional, impartial and proactive while ensuring that perpetrators of political violence are apprehended and prosecuted, irrespective of their political affiliations.
The NUJ also appealed to political parties, governorship candidates and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns and refrain from actions capable of inciting unrest or threatening the peaceful conduct of the election.
It warned political leaders against making inflammatory statements that could trigger violence, urging them to exercise restraint and prevail on their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully.
“The Council cautions political leaders against making inflammatory statements that could incite violence. They have a responsibility to restrain their supporters and place the interests of Osun State above partisan considerations,” the statement added.
The union further appealed to residents, particularly young people, not to allow themselves to be recruited as instruments of political violence, intimidation or other unlawful acts during the electioneering period.
According to the Council, the future and well-being of the state’s youth should never be sacrificed for political ambitions, urging them to reject any inducement capable of drawing them into criminal activities.
Reaffirming its commitment to credible election coverage, the NUJ pledged that journalists in Osun State would continue to promote responsible journalism, factual reporting and public enlightenment throughout the governorship campaign.
The Council also urged media practitioners to uphold the ethics of the profession by avoiding sensational reports capable of escalating political tension, while ensuring balanced, fair and accurate coverage of political activities across the state.
