Osun Election: Over 100 Imported Voters Arrested

More than 100 suspected “imported” voters have reportedly been arrested by security operatives in Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

The individuals were allegedly brought into the state with newly issued Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, and were reportedly staying at the residence of Abiola Ibrahim, a member of the Osun State House of Assembly representing the Irewole-Isokan Constituency.

A video circulating on social media showed a large group of people being questioned by security operatives over their presence at the residence and their alleged plans to participate in the election.

During the questioning, Ibrahim reportedly acknowledged that the individuals had been staying at his residence and claimed that they were in the state to vote for the Accord Party.

The reported arrest comes amid heightened political tension across Osun ahead of the election, with rival political parties trading allegations of intimidation, violence, arrests and other electoral offences.

The Accord Party has also accused security agencies and other federal institutions of targeting its members and supporters in the build-up to the poll.

In a petition dated August 12, 2026, the party’s National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, called on the European Union to intervene in what he described as a worsening political situation in Osun.

Mgbudem alleged that at least 29 people had been killed in incidents connected to the election and claimed that more than 60 members and supporters of the Accord Party had been arrested and detained in Abuja and Nasarawa State.

The party also questioned the deployment of federal security and regulatory agencies during the election period, arguing that actions perceived as favouring one political side could weaken public confidence in the electoral process.

Accord further alleged that its members had been subjected to attacks, harassment and intimidation. The party also referred to a video in which Senator Francis Fadahunsi was allegedly heard calling for Accord members to be killed wherever they were found. The allegation has not been independently verified.

The latest development came a day after Governor Ademola Adeleke announced plans to establish an independent commission of inquiry after the election to investigate reported deaths and other acts of violence linked to the electoral process.

Adeleke announced the plan on Friday while speaking to journalists in Osogbo. His address was delivered by the state Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi.

The governor expressed sympathy to families who lost relatives during the period of political violence and said political disagreements should not result in the loss of lives.

He said the proposed commission would examine the circumstances surrounding reported killings and make recommendations on how those responsible could be brought to justice, irrespective of their political affiliation or position.

According to him, the commission would be constituted on Monday, immediately after the governorship election.

Adeleke also said his administration would create a framework to support families affected by the violence and ensure that victims were properly honoured.

He maintained that the election would eventually end, but the people of Osun would remain together, adding that justice for victims and support for their families were necessary for a peaceful future in the state.