Osun Campaign Violence Escalation as APC and Accord camps clash following shootings and crash incidents that left two people dead ahead of polls
Political campaigns in Osun State turned violent on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, after two separate incidents linked to governorship campaign activities left two people dead and several others injured, heightening tensions between the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress, APC.
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The developments occurred less than two months before the August 15 governorship election, deepening concerns over political stability and security in the state as rival campaigns intensify across communities.
In Esa Oke, Obokun Local Government Area, an Accord Party supporter identified as Ajayi Aderogba, popularly known as Rogba, was reportedly shot dead by unknown gunmen while preparations were underway for a rally linked to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election campaign.
The killing triggered protests in the community and immediate accusations between supporters of Accord and APC, with both sides trading blame over the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Residents said the victim was actively involved in preparations for the planned rally when he was attacked, though police authorities had yet to issue an official statement at the time of filing this report.
In a separate incident in Ede, an APC campaign procession was struck by a truck during a street rally organised in support of governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji, leaving one person dead and at least seven others injured.
The Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the APC campaign council, Remi Omowaiye, confirmed the incident, stating that the injured victims were receiving treatment in private hospitals within Ede and Ofatedo.
“One person was killed in the accident. Seven others were injured, but one of them is in critical condition,” Omowaiye said.
Eyewitness accounts suggested that the crash occurred when a truck allegedly ignored traffic control instructions provided during the campaign procession and drove into a lane occupied by supporters.
The APC deputy governorship candidate, Benjamin Adereti, called for a thorough investigation, saying the circumstances surrounding the incident raised serious concerns.
“We are still trying to unravel the reason behind this,” Adereti said. “The way the incident happened suggests that the truck deliberately rammed into our party members while they were campaigning in Ede.”
In Esa Oke, spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, alleged political interference in campaign activities, while accusing unnamed actors of attempting to disrupt preparations for the rally.
However, APC representatives strongly denied any involvement in the shooting, describing attempts to link the party to the killing as premature, misleading and unsubstantiated.
A statement issued on behalf of APC campaign director-general Oluwole Oke called for restraint and urged security agencies to conduct a full investigation before drawing conclusions.
“As a legal practitioner, he ought to understand the primacy of evidence, due process and responsible public communication,” the statement read.
The police have yet to issue an official response to either incident, as tensions remain high in both communities following the back-to-back tragedies.
The twin incidents have intensified political anxiety in Osun State ahead of the August 15 election, with both major parties exchanging accusations while security agencies are expected to determine the true causes of the violence.
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Analysts warn that without swift investigation and effective security intervention, rising political hostility could further escalate as campaigns reach their peak.
