OSOGBO, Osun State — Concern over possible violence has intensified ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, with civil society groups warning stakeholders to strengthen measures aimed at protecting voters and ensuring a peaceful poll.

The concerns come against the backdrop of an electoral risk assessment by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which identified about 385 potential security flashpoints across the state and more than 200 difficult terrains that could pose logistical challenges during the election.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun, Oluwatoyin Babalola, said the identified flashpoints had been communicated to security agencies to assist them in planning their operations before, during and after the election.

The commission also identified locations that could be difficult to access because of poor road conditions and other terrain-related challenges.

The security concerns have been accompanied by reports of political violence in the build-up to the election. A recent assessment by the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) documented 73 election-related violent incidents resulting in 29 deaths, with Osogbo identified as the area with the highest concentration of reported incidents.

The assessment said 54 of the 73 incidents occurred between May and July 2026, coinciding with increased political activities and campaign activities across the state.

Civil society organisations have consequently urged political parties, candidates, security agencies and voters to avoid actions capable of escalating tensions before and during the election.

They have also called for increased protection of voters, journalists, election observers and electoral officials, particularly in areas considered vulnerable to violence.

INEC Risk Assessment Faces Questions

The 385-flashpoint assessment has also attracted criticism from some political stakeholders.

The Accord Party in Osun questioned the accuracy of the assessment and called on INEC to review the locations identified as flashpoints.

Party officials argued that some communities listed in the assessment did not reflect the security situation on the ground and urged the commission to provide greater transparency regarding how the locations were classified.

However, INEC has maintained that the assessment was carried out across the state’s 30 Local Government Areas and was intended to assist security agencies with election planning.

Calls for Peace Ahead of Poll

With voters expected to cast their ballots on Saturday, August 15, stakeholders have continued to call for restraint and peaceful participation.

Civil society groups have urged voters to exercise their democratic rights without fear and encouraged political actors to accept the outcome of a credible process.

Security agencies have also been urged to remain professional and impartial while protecting voters and election personnel.

The concerns come as INEC completes its final preparations for the governorship election, with political parties and candidates making their final efforts to mobilise supporters across the state.

Thenewsbearer/Moy/Cyn