By Oluwatosin Babatunde

As Osun State gradually moves into another intense election cycle ahead of 2026, I find myself increasingly concerned—not just as an observer of politics, but as someone who has seen how quickly the atmosphere of competition can turn into tension, suspicion, and sometimes violence.

Elections in Nigeria are supposed to represent our collective opportunity to choose leadership and debate ideas. Yet, too often, they descend into hostility that leaves communities divided long after the ballots are counted. I believe Osun cannot afford that path again.

What stands out to me at this stage is the responsibility resting on political actors, especially the major parties such as the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Accord Party, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). These parties are not just platforms for ambition; they are vehicles that influence the tone, behaviour, and emotions of thousands of supporters across the state.

When leaders speak, supporters often amplify. When rhetoric becomes aggressive, it rarely remains verbal for long. That is why I am urging restraint now, before the campaign season fully gathers momentum.

It is important to note that both the All Progressives Congress and the Accord Party have, at different times, made public commitments to issue-based campaigning and peaceful engagement. However, such promises must go beyond press statements and political speeches. They must be clearly reflected in actions on the ground—in the language of their supporters, the conduct of their rallies, and the behaviour of their representatives at every level.

From what I have observed over the years, violence in elections rarely begins with physical confrontation. It often starts subtly—with provocative language, unverified claims, and the gradual framing of political opponents as enemies rather than competitors. If this pattern is allowed to grow, it becomes harder to control later.

But Osun deserves better than that trajectory.

What I hope to see in this election cycle is a genuine shift toward issue-based campaigning. The people of Osun are not short of issues that matter: jobs for young people, better roads, functional schools, accessible healthcare, and a stable local economy. These are the conversations that should dominate rallies, debates, and party manifestos—not intimidation or fear.

I also think political leaders underestimate how deeply ordinary citizens are affected by election violence, even when they are not directly involved. Markets shut down, families avoid travel, and young people are sometimes drawn into conflicts that do not serve their interests. Trust between neighbours can also be weakened simply because of political affiliation.

These are not abstract consequences—they are lived realities.

That is why I am appealing, sincerely, to party leaders, supporters, and even first-time political actors: restraint is not weakness. Choosing dialogue over aggression is not surrender. It is a form of political maturity that strengthens democracy itself.

The All Progressives Congress, the Accord Party, and the African Democratic Congress all have a chance to set a new tone. They can choose to make Osun 2026 a reference point for peaceful competition, or they can allow it to repeat old patterns that have already cost too much in previous cycles.

From my perspective, the direction we take will not only determine who wins elections—it will also shape how safe, united, and hopeful our communities feel during and after the process.

I end with a simple appeal: let ideas compete, not people. Let policies be debated, not personalities attacked. And above all, let the pursuit of power never outweigh the value of peace.