Chaos at Osun Polls as Thugs Allegedly Disrupt Voting, Cash-for-Vote Claims Rock Governorship Election

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Tension and confusion have been reported at several polling locations across Osun State as allegations of political thuggery, voter intimidation, vote-buying and attempts to disrupt voting surfaced during Saturday’s governorship election.

Videos and eyewitness accounts circulating online purportedly show suspected political thugs disrupting polling units, chasing voters and electoral officials, damaging property and allegedly attempting to influence the outcome of the closely contested election.

In one widely circulated video, voters were reportedly seen confronting and overpowering an armed man accused of attempting to disrupt voting at a polling unit in Banik. Security personnel were subsequently said to have arrested a suspected political operative popularly known as “Big Hammer.”

Some residents also alleged that the suspect was linked to an alleged plot targeting an African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate. However, the assassination allegation and the identity or political affiliation of the suspect could not be independently verified.

Another video circulating online allegedly showed suspected political thugs chasing police officers, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and voters from Unit 3, Ward 11 in Boripe Local Government Area.

The footage appeared to show electoral officials attempting to escape by jumping over fences, while claims of damage to a polling unit and private vehicles also emerged.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and it remains unclear what triggered the reported confrontation or whether the individuals shown in the videos were acting on behalf of any political party.

Further controversy emerged from footage allegedly recorded at Ward 4, Units 4 and 5 in Ikire, where APC chieftain Mrs. Funmi Haastrup was reportedly accused of threatening voters who did not support the party’s candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as Ambo.

Similarly, a separate video from Ilase-Ilesa purportedly showed APC Senator Francis Fadahunsi addressing supporters and urging them to monitor voting at his polling unit. The context and authenticity of the footage could not be independently established.

Meanwhile, allegations of vote-buying have continued to dominate discussions surrounding the election.

An alleged APC agent was reportedly seen carrying bundles of cash at Ward 8, Unit 11 in Olorunda Local Government Area, near Oloyede Motors in Obelawo.

In Ejigbo, voters were also reported to have staged a protest over alleged vote-buying.

At Eleye Open Space, Polling Unit 5, Ward 8, in Irewole Local Government Area, one voter alleged that Accord Party supporters were offering ₦2,500 while APC supporters were allegedly offering as much as ₦20,000 to voters.

There have also been broader allegations that political agents distributed between ₦10,000 and ₦20,000 to voters in different parts of the state before and during the election. These claims remain allegations and require confirmation from election authorities or independent observers.

The reports have added to concerns over the credibility and transparency of the Osun governorship election, particularly as results began emerging from some polling units.

The contest features incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, seeking another term, against APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, ADC candidate Najeem Salaam and candidates from other political parties.

Security agencies had announced extensive deployments and movement restrictions ahead of the election in an effort to prevent violence and protect voters, electoral officials and election materials.

Despite the security measures, videos and eyewitness accounts of alleged disruptions have continued to circulate, prompting calls for authorities to investigate incidents and take action where electoral offences are established.

INEC and the relevant security agencies had yet to issue detailed official responses addressing each of the viral videos and allegations referenced in this report as of the time of filing.

The authenticity, location and context of some of the footage circulating online also remain subject to verification.

As vote counting and collation continue, political parties, observers and voters are expected to closely monitor the process, with the conduct of security personnel and the handling of allegations of intimidation and vote-buying likely to remain central to scrutiny of the election.

This report will be updated as verified information and official statements become available.