An Editorial by Kpomkwem News
As Osun State prepares to elect its governor on Saturday, August 15, 2026, one issue must rise above party loyalty, political ambition and electoral competition: the protection of human life.
The reports of election-related violence and killings in parts of the state are deeply troubling. A recent report citing data from the Kimpact Development Initiative recorded 73 election-related violent incidents and 29 deaths ahead of the poll. These figures, if accurately documented, should concern every citizen, political party, security agency and institution responsible for protecting Nigeria’s democracy.
Kpomkwem News believes that no election is worth the life of a father, mother, son, daughter, supporter, journalist, security officer or innocent passer-by.
Political disagreements are normal in a democracy. Violence is not.
Political competition must never become a licence for violence
The final days before an election are often emotionally charged. Candidates want to win, supporters want their preferred party to prevail, and political actors may make strong statements.
But political ambition must have limits.
Recent allegations of inflammatory or threatening statements in Osun have already attracted calls for investigation, while the police have warned political parties, candidates and supporters against electoral violence.
Kpomkwem News will not pronounce anyone guilty based solely on allegations, viral videos or partisan claims. Every allegation should be properly investigated, evidence should be independently verified, and anyone found culpable should face the law regardless of political affiliation.
That principle must apply equally to the ruling party, opposition parties, candidates, supporters and other political actors.
Security agencies must protect voters, not intimidate them
The responsibility of security agencies on election day is enormous.
Voters must be able to go to polling units without fear. Journalists must be able to report without intimidation. Election officials must be able to perform their duties without interference. Political parties must be able to deploy legitimate agents without harassment.
The call by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project for stronger measures to protect voters is therefore important. SERAP has warned that an election cannot be conducted credibly when citizens are afraid to participate.
Security personnel must therefore remain professional, impartial and accountable. Their presence should reassure citizens—not create additional fear.
Candidates have a special responsibility
To all candidates contesting the Osun governorship election: your supporters are watching you.
A single irresponsible statement can be interpreted as permission for supporters to attack opponents. Conversely, a clear and repeated call for peace can prevent violence.
We urge every candidate and party leader to publicly tell supporters:
Do not fight. Do not threaten. Do not attack. Do not destroy. Do not carry weapons. Do not spread unverified information.
If your candidate loses, there are lawful avenues for challenging the result. If your candidate wins, victory will mean little if it comes at the cost of lives and a divided society.
Our advice to voters
Kpomkwem News urges the people of Osun State to approach August 15 with courage, restraint and responsibility.
Vote, but do not fight for your candidate. Your ballot is your voice. Violence only weakens democracy.
Do not carry weapons or participate in political thuggery. No politician’s ambition is worth your freedom or your life.
Verify information before sharing it. During elections, old videos, photographs from other locations and fabricated claims can be presented as breaking news. Do not become an unwitting distributor of misinformation.
Avoid confrontation at polling units. If another person behaves provocatively, report the matter to the appropriate officials rather than escalating it.
Respect the voting process. Allow accredited election officials and agents to perform their duties within the law.
Protect vulnerable people around you. Elderly voters, women, persons with disabilities and other citizens should not be exposed to unnecessary danger.
If violence breaks out, prioritise your safety. Move away from danger and contact the appropriate authorities rather than attempting to intervene physically.
Our message to political parties
The parties must understand that Osun State will remain after August 15.
Today’s political opponent may remain tomorrow’s neighbour, business partner, community leader or friend.
We therefore urge party leaders to establish clear channels for reporting threats and incidents, discipline supporters who violate the law, and reject inflammatory rhetoric.
The campaign should end with political arguments—not physical battles.
Our message to INEC and security agencies
The Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies must do everything within their lawful mandates to ensure that voters can participate freely and that results are protected from interference.
INEC has repeatedly emphasised the importance of credible and inclusive elections, while security authorities have warned stakeholders against violence.
Kpomkwem News calls for transparency, professionalism and rapid communication when incidents occur. Where allegations arise, authorities should provide verified information promptly so that rumours do not fill the information vacuum.
And to our readers: choose peace
Kpomkwem News recognises that journalism has a special responsibility during elections.
We will report verified developments. We will distinguish allegations from established facts. We will avoid publishing material that could inflame tensions or expose citizens to unnecessary danger. We will not allow our platform to become a vehicle for propaganda, incitement or the circulation of unverified claims.
We urge our readers to do the same.
The choice before Osun is not simply between candidates. It is also between the kind of political culture the people want to build.
Let August 15 demonstrate that political competition can be fierce without becoming violent; that disagreement can exist without hatred; and that victory can be pursued without bloodshed.
Osun belongs to all its people—not to any political party.
Let every eligible voter exercise their democratic right peacefully. Let every candidate accept responsibility for the conduct of their supporters. Let security agencies protect citizens impartially. Let journalists report responsibly. And let everyone remember that there must be an Osun after the election.
Kpomkwem News calls on all stakeholders: Vote. Stay peaceful. Reject violence. Respect the law. Protect life.
— Kpomkwem News Editorial Desk
