Kukah Centre identifies risks to 2026 Osun governorship polls

Stakeholders in Osun State have called on relevant authorities in the state to address critical issues that have been identified as threat to the forthcoming governorship polls in the state.

They made this known at an event organised by Kukah Centre, a policy research institute based in Abuja, where a report of a ‘Political, Social & Security Context Analysis & Compliance Assessment,’ conducted by the centre on the forthcoming Osun State Governorship Election, was presented to the stakeholders for their validation.

A release by the centre obtained in Osogbo on Friday, stated that the report was presented before a gathering that includes representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, media practitioners, and the representatives of people living with disabilities, among others.

In their separate submissions, participants stressed the importance of “early preventive measures, noting that “electoral violence is often rooted in unresolved institutional and political issues.”

They called for “Strengthened collaboration, adherence to the Peace Accord framework, and commitment to conflict-sensitive conduct by political actors and their supporters.”

Presenting the report, the Research Manager, Kukah Centre, Fatai Yusuf, said the Osun governorship election was evolving into a three-bloc contest, thus increasing its unpredictability and electoral tension.

Highlighting other findings of the research work that took place between June 2025 and March, 2026, Yusuf further said, “The 2026 election reflects a major political realignment, including the defection of the incumbent governor to a new party, reshaping alliances and increasing competition.

“The election is evolving into a three-bloc contest, increasing unpredictability and electoral tension. Documented incidents include violence, injuries, and kidnappings across multiple LGAs, indicating potential flashpoints.”

He added, “Local government disputes and perceived gaps in security neutrality pose risks to electoral credibility. Growing use of informal networks and digital platforms may amplify tensions and disinformation.”

Earlier, in her address, the Project Manager, Kukah Centre, Asabe Ndahi, described the Osun governorship poll as a critical moment for, not just the people of the state, but for Nigeria’s democracy.

“The 2026 gubernatorial election is more than a state-level exercise, it is a defining test of our collective commitment to democratic integrity and a precursor to the 2027 general elections,” she said.