As Osun electorate goes to the polls on Saturday, August 15, 2026, attention is shifting to 13 local government areas identified as high-risk ahead of the governorship election.

The concerns are coming against the backdrop of escalating political violence in parts of the state. The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had identified 385 election flashpoints across 13 LGAs as areas at high risk of violence.

The situation has heightened security concerns ahead of the election, with reports of politically motivated clashes, attacks, intimidation, killings and tensions involving supporters of rival political parties.

The Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) has also identified several LGAs as high-risk areas requiring targeted security and political interventions. Its monitoring recorded 73 election-related violent incidents resulting in 29 deaths in the build-up to the election, with Osogbo emerging as the worst-hit area.

The 13 high-risk LGAs to watch include:

Atakumosa East

Atakumosa West

Boripe

Ede North

Ede South

Ife Central

Ifedayo

Ila

Osogbo

Ifelodun

Oriade

Irepodun

Irewole

Why these LGAs matter

The areas have come under attention because of reported incidents of political violence, clashes, attacks on campaign activities and other security concerns recorded during the election build-up.

Osogbo, the state capital, has recorded several incidents and was described by KDI as the worst-hit location in its assessment.

In Irepodun, a 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, was killed in June after being struck by a stray bullet during a reported gun battle involving suspected political thugs in Ilobu.

Irewole has also featured in the state’s political violence narrative. Earlier in the election cycle, the killing of an Accord Party member in Ikire generated accusations between rival political camps, with the allegations denied and investigations called for.

In Odo-Otin, an INEC Permanent Voter Card collection centre in Okuku was reportedly attacked in July, with PVCs taken during the incident. The development raised concerns about the potential impact of insecurity on election preparations.

Security agencies on alert

INEC has said its identified hotspots will receive specialised, high-visibility security deployments, with security personnel directed to prevent thuggery, cult-related activities and attempts to disrupt voting while maintaining neutrality.

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the deployment of at least 14,692 officers across Osun for the election, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said it would deploy 10,210 personnel.

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has urged security agencies to ensure impartiality and protect voters, electoral officials and materials, particularly in the identified flashpoints.

With 385 flashpoints spread across the identified high-risk LGAs, the security situation in these areas will be closely watched as voters decide who will govern Osun for the next four years. (Nigerian Tribune)