On Wednesday, an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) meeting in Osun State turned chaotic as preparations for the August 15, 2026, gubernatorial race intensified. The event, held at Atlantis Hall, followed a series of visits by INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan to local traditional leaders, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
While the session initially proceeded calmly, tensions flared between supporters of the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The disorder escalated when Osun State Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan took the stage; his address was met with a mix of cheers and jeers, rendering his comments nearly inaudible. Similar disruptions hampered an address by Hon. Bamidele Salam, the Imole Campaign Council Media Directorate chairman.
Simultaneously, a peaceful group of female protesters gathered outside the hall to demand a transparent and fair electoral process. In response to the friction, APC spokesperson Remi Omowaye claimed the Accord Party had orchestrated the demonstrations to derail the proceedings. Increased numbers of armed security personnel were positioned inside and around the venue to restore control.
