The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Osun State Council, has condemned the rising wave of political violence ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

The union also warned that the trend poses a serious threat to peace, public safety and the democratic process.

The Council expressed concern over increasing reports of killings, intimidation and destruction of property linked to political activities, saying the situation could undermine the credibility of the election if urgent steps were not taken to curb the violence.

In a statement jointly signed by the Osun NUJ Chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin, and the Secretary, Olalekan Akindoju, the union cited a report by the Kimpact Development Initiative, KDI, which recorded 44 election-related violent incidents across the state between October 2025 and June 2026.

According to the statement, the incidents reportedly resulted in the deaths of 13 people, a development the Council described as alarming and requiring immediate intervention by all stakeholders.

“The figures should serve as a wake-up call to all stakeholders. No political ambition is worth the loss of human lives,” the statement said.

The Council called on security agencies to intensify efforts to prevent further violence by protecting lives and property, maintaining professionalism and impartiality, and ensuring that those responsible for violent acts were brought to justice regardless of their political affiliations.

It also urged political parties, governorship candidates and their supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns centred on issues affecting the people, rather than engaging in actions capable of fuelling unrest.

“The NUJ cautions political leaders against making inflammatory statements that could incite violence. They have a responsibility to restrain their supporters and place the interests of Osun State above partisan considerations.

“The Council appeals to residents, particularly young people, not to allow themselves to be used as agents of political violence or intimidation during the electioneering period,” the statement added.

It emphasised that the lives and future of the state’s youth should not be sacrificed for political interests, urging them to reject any attempt to lure them into unlawful activities.

The NUJ reaffirmed the commitment of journalists in Osun State to promoting responsible journalism, factual reporting and public enlightenment throughout the governorship election campaign.

It also called on media practitioners to uphold the ethics of the profession by avoiding sensational reports capable of escalating political tension, while encouraging balanced and accurate coverage of political activities across the state.

A Federal High Court in Lokoja has set aside an earlier judgment that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
The development was shared by Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a post on X on Friday.

The latest ruling by the presiding judge, Justice Isah Dashen comes days after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered INEC to register the Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA) as a political party.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who presided over the Abuja case, had directed INEC to issue the party with a certificate of registration within seven days after ruling in a suit filed by Tamunotonye Samuel Solomon Inioribo and two others.

More details are expected.

By Peter Duru, Makurdi 

The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from claims that Mr. Emmanuel Agbo is the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections, describing such assertions as false and misleading. 

In a statement signed by the party’s State Secretary, Dan Nyikwagh, and made available to journalists, the PDP said Agbo “is not and has never been” its governorship candidate, warning the public against being deceived by what it termed fraudulent claims. 

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Benue State Chapter, under the Chairmanship of Chief Ezekiel Adaji, wishes to unequivocally and categorically state that Emmanuel Agbo is not and has never been the governorship candidate of our great party for the 2027 general elections,” the statement said. 

The PDP further maintained that any publication, video, or public statement presenting Agbo as its governorship flag bearer was “a deliberate falsehood, a calculated act of impersonation, and a clear attempt to deceive the good people of Benue State.” 

According to the party, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, remains its recognized and legitimate governorship candidate for the 2027 election. 

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Benue State PDP has, through a transparent and unanimous consensus process duly affirmed by party leaders, stakeholders, and members, recognized Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, as the authentic and legitimate governorship candidate of the party for the 2027 elections,” the statement added. 

The party claimed that the consensus process was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and reflected the collective will of its members across the state. 

The PDP warned that it would not tolerate attempts to create confusion within its ranks, disclosing that it had commenced legal and constitutional measures against those involved involved in impersonation. 

The opposition party also called on media organizations, security agencies, and members of the public to disregard any narrative portraying Agbo as its governorship candidate. 

“The PDP remains focused, united, and ready to rescue and rebuild Benue state under the capable umbrella of Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa,” the statement added.