Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Suspected gunmen have attacked the convoy of Dr. Sekinat Oyebamiji, wife of the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for the August 15, 2026 election in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, in an incident that has heightened political tensions in the state just days before the poll. The attack occurred on Sunday evening, August 2, 2026, at approximately 7:00 p.m. in Ede South Local Government Area, shortly after Mrs. Oyebamiji concluded a voter engagement and mobilisation programme in Alajue Ward 2.
According to eyewitness accounts and multiple reports, Mrs. Oyebamiji was accompanied by Princess Bukola Adereti, wife of the APC deputy governorship candidate, Alhaji Kayode Adereti, during the visit. As the convoy was leaving the venue, about 15 armed assailants emerged and opened fire on the vehicles, causing panic as supporters and residents scattered for safety. While both Dr. Oyebamiji and Princess Adereti escaped the attack unhurt, one member of the convoy sustained serious injuries. The victim was identified as the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Sekona Branch, who suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to a hospital for medical treatment. Witnesses said the attack disrupted movement around the Alajue and Sekona Garage axis for some time, as security concerns spread among residents.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Ede South Local Government, Hon. Kolawole Salami, condemned the attack and called on security agencies to act without delay. He urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and prosecute anyone found culpable. Salami alleged that the attackers were loyalists of the Accord Party, the party of the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking re-election. However, this claim had not been independently verified at the time of this report, and the Accord Party had not issued any immediate response to the allegation.
The attack comes just days before the Osun State governorship election, which is scheduled for August 15, 2026, and is considered one of the most consequential off-cycle polls in Nigeria's electoral calendar. Political violence has been a recurring concern in the state, with both the APC and the Accord Party trading accusations of intimidation and attacks. The Osun State Police Command had earlier convened a stakeholders' meeting involving security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and political parties to address rising political violence. During that meeting, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, warned politicians and their supporters against violence, destruction of campaign materials, and intimidation of opponents.
"Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies should investigate this incident thoroughly and prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law," Salami stated. The police had previously cautioned both the APC and the Accord Party over statements made following a shooting incident in Okini, Egbedore Local Government Area, with the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, warning that anyone found spreading false information capable of causing unrest would be held responsible.
Efforts to obtain a reaction from Dr. Oyebamiji were unsuccessful, as she had not responded to a text message sent to her as of the time of this report. However, the APC is expected to formally condemn the attack and demand a thorough investigation. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the security of political actors and the integrity of the electoral process, with civil society groups and stakeholders calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to curb violence and ensure a peaceful environment before, during, and after the election. As the August 15 poll draws nearer, the attack on the APC candidate's wife's convoy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of the political atmosphere in Osun State and the urgent need for decisive action to prevent further violence.
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