Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Osun State, has formally requested that the British High Commission and international observers keep a close watch on the upcoming August 15, 2026, election. During a Tuesday visit from British officials to his Osogbo campaign office, Oyebamiji argued that active international monitoring is essential to bolster public trust in the democratic process.
The candidate expressed serious worry regarding a rise in political thuggery and intimidation. He claimed that APC supporters have faced targeted attacks since 2022, attributing these actions to figures linked to Governor Ademola Adeleke and the state administration. Oyebamiji highlighted specific instances of violence in regions including Osogbo, Ilesa, and Irewole, noting that more than 40 party members have been affected over the last few years. He called on the Nigeria Police to conduct impartial, professional investigations into these reports, noting that some suspects remain at large.
Despite these tensions, Oyebamiji emphasized that the APC remains committed to peaceful participation and the rule of law. He urged his supporters to remain law-abiding while hoping that combined international scrutiny and security efforts would protect the rights of voters to participate without fear.
This appeal follows a recent meeting between the British delegation and Governor Adeleke, who had urged the international community to impose sanctions on political actors he blames for inciting violence. The Osun APC subsequently rejected the governor’s claims, accusing him of providing misleading information to the diplomatic visitors.
