Osun APC Candidate Bola Oyebamiji Promises Violence-Free Election

• The APC candidate in the Osun 2026 governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, has promised a violence-free election.
• The candidate warned against intimidation and harassment of voters by thugs or hoodlums.
• Security operatives will deal with anyone caught engaging in such behavior.
• The Nigerian electoral law is clear on the consequences of intimidation during elections.
• Lawyers should advise clients on the implications of intimidation during elections.

any individual caught engaging in such behavior would be dealt with swiftly by security operatives

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the upcoming Osun 2026 governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, has made a promise to ensure that the election is conducted without violence. In a statement, Oyebamiji warned against intimidation and harassment of voters by thugs or hoodlums. The candidate emphasized that any individual caught engaging in such behavior would be dealt with swiftly by security operatives. This promise comes as a relief to many Nigerians who have been concerned about the increasing trend of election-related violence in the country.

The Nigerian electoral law is clear on the consequences of intimidation and harassment during elections. Section 128 of the Electoral Act 2022 states that any person who engages in the disruption or disturbance of a polling station, or who intimidates or harasses voters, shall be guilty of an offense and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to a fine of N500,000 or both. The law also empowers security operatives to take necessary actions to maintain order during elections. Lawyers are advised to carefully review the electoral law and advise their clients on the implications of intimidation during elections.

The promise made by the APC candidate is a significant development in the lead-up to the Osun 2026 governorship election. The election is expected to be closely contested, and any attempt to intimidate or harass voters could undermine the integrity of the process. Lawyers should pay close attention to this issue and advise their clients accordingly. A violence-free election would not only ensure a peaceful transfer of power but also boost investor confidence in the country's electoral system.

Lawyers should watch for potential electoral law violations and advise clients on the implications of intimidation during elections.

Source: Original reporting via Premium Times Nigeria