The August 15 governorship election in Osun State has been described as producing a credible vote count, even as concerns persist over violence and deaths recorded before and during the electoral process.

The assessment noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), under Prof. Joash Amupitan, and Yiaga Africa’s parallel vote tabulation produced results that stood up to scrutiny.

However, the election was also marred by reports of election-related violence, with estimates of fatalities ranging from 18 to more than 30 people.

The post-election period also witnessed renewed security concerns, including reported gun attacks around the palace of a traditional ruler in the state days after the election results were announced.In response to the impact of the violence, the Osun State Government has established a ₦500 million relief fund for victims and families affected by election-related incidents.The developments have renewed calls for stakeholders to distinguish between the credibility of election results and the broader security environment surrounding elections.Observers have argued that while a transparent vote count is essential to democracy, it cannot be regarded as a complete electoral success if voters, candidates and communities are exposed to violence.With the 2027 general elections approaching, concerns have been raised that failure to address electoral violence, political attacks and the activities of armed groups could lead to a repetition of the challenges witnessed in Osun.Stakeholders have therefore called for stronger preventive security measures, accountability for perpetrators and greater commitment by political actors to peaceful campaigns and elections.