Women in Osun State have protested alleged political violence, killings and intimidation ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The women took to the major streets of Osogbo, the state capital, on Monday, August 10, carrying placards and chanting songs against electoral violence.
Their placards bore messages including “Stop Electoral Violence,” “We Want Ballots, Not Bullets,” “Election Is Not War,” “Vote, Don’t Fight,” and “Stop the Killings in Osun.”
Speaking during the protest, one of the leaders, identified simply as Eniola, condemned violence linked to political activities in the state.
She said political disagreements should not be used to justify killings, intimidation or destruction, adding that the lives of citizens should not be sacrificed for political ambitions.
The protesters called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene over what they described as growing threats to the safety of Osun residents.
They also demanded the redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, alleging perceived partisanship.
The women urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to protect citizens irrespective of their political affiliations and ensure equal protection for political parties, candidates and their supporters.
They further called for reported cases of violence and unlawful conduct to be investigated, with appropriate legal action taken against those found responsible.
The protesters said residents must be able to reach their polling units, vote freely and return home safely without intimidation or fear of violence.
The protest comes days before Osun State’s governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
