Osun Guber: NUJ Raises Alarm Over Rising Political Violence Ahead Of Campaigns

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Osun State Council, has decried the rising wave of political violence ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

The union also warned the trend threatens peace, public safety and the democratic process.

The Council expressed concern about increasing reports of killings, intimidation and destruction of property connected with political activities and said the situation could undermine the credibility of the election if urgent steps were not taken to curb the violence.

In a joint statement signed by the Osun NUJ Chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin, and the Secretary, Olalekan Akindoju, the union referenced a report by the Kimpact Development Initiative, KDI, which documented 44 election-related violent incidents across the state from October 2025 to June 2026.

The Council said the reported deaths of 13 people following the incidents were alarming and called for immediate intervention by all stakeholders.

The figures should be a wake-up call for all stakeholders. ‘No political ambition is worth the loss of human lives,’ the statement said.

The Council called on security agencies to intensify efforts to prevent further violence through the protection of lives and property, remaining professional and impartial and ensuring that those involved in acts of violence are brought to justice regardless of their political affiliations.

It also called on political parties, governorship candidates and their supporters to embark on peaceful campaigns based on issues affecting the people, rather than indulge in actions that could fuel unrest.

“The NUJ cautions political leaders against making inflammatory remarks that could provoke violence. They have a duty to restrain their supporters and put the interests of Osun State above partisan considerations.

“The Council appeals to the residents, especially the youth, not to be used as agents of political violence or intimidation during the electioneering period,” the statement also stated.

It emphasised that the lives and future of the state’s youth should not be sacrificed for political interests and called on them to shun any attempt to lure them into unlawful activities.

The NUJ reiterated the commitment of journalists in Osun state to promoting responsible journalism, factual reporting and public enlightenment during the campaign period of the governorship election.

It also called on media practitioners to adhere to the ethics of the profession by avoiding sensational reports that could heighten political tension, while encouraging balanced and accurate reports on political activities across the state.