Osun 2026: ADC Raises Alarm Over Rising Violence, Warns APC, Accord

 

The African Democratic Congress, ADC-GCC, has raised the alarm over rising political tension in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election, warning the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Accord Party against actions capable of plunging the state into another round of violence.

Speaking on Wednesday, the spokesperson of ADC-GCC, Hon. Nurein Adebisi, said the destruction of billboards, inflammatory statements, disruption of public peace and alleged mobilisation of thugs were dangerous signals that must not be ignored.

Adebisi said: “The use of inflammatory language, destruction of billboards, disturbance of public peace and mobilisation of thugs are early warning signs that we cannot ignore. Osun people deserve peace, not provocation.”

The party said the political atmosphere in the state had remained tense since the controversy over the occupation of local government secretariats in February 2025, involving the APC and PDP, now Accord, which allegedly led to the death of Remi Abass in Ikire.

ADC-GCC also expressed concern over the recent killing of a 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area, following an alleged clash between supporters of APC and Accord on June 20.

The party further condemned the violence that reportedly occurred in Esa-Oke on Wednesday, June 24, during which another person was allegedly shot dead in front of his father’s house.

According to the ADC, the incidents, alongside other cases of political violence, have threatened the peace Osun State was once known for.

“Elections are not war. The mandate of the people is sacred and must not be drowned in violence, intimidation or desperation,” Adebisi said.

The party called on the APC and Accord to caution their supporters, dismantle alleged armed groups and publicly commit to peaceful and issue-based campaigns.

It added that Osun had suffered enough from political crises and could not afford another cycle of bloodshed in the struggle for power.

ADC-GCC, however, presented its governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam, as a credible alternative, saying the party was focused on promoting politics of ideas, development, security and job creation.

The party said Salaam and the ADC structure were committed to rebuilding public trust, restoring dignity in governance and delivering security without divisive or violent politics.

ADC-GCC also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies, traditional rulers and civil society organisations to urgently intervene and de-escalate the tension in the state.

It urged Osun voters to reject violence and desperation, and embrace what it described as the path of peace and progress.

The statement was signed by Hon. Nurein Adebisi, spokesperson, ADC-GCC.