A stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State is briefly disrupted by protesters ahead of the August 15 governorship election. Multiple outlets report that proceedings are delayed for about 30 minutes after demonstrators carrying placards storm the venue shortly after INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan arrives. Protesters call for a credible and peaceful election, with placards referencing issues including “one man, one vote,” a request for INEC to ensure a free election, and demands that biometric verification system (BVAS) works.

The protest is described as peaceful but comes amid a tense political environment in Osun, with recent weeks marked by political unrest and warnings from traditional and political figures. Reports also note that Osun State Commissioner of Police Gotan Ibrahim’s appearance at the meeting draws mixed reactions: some supporters applaud while other party representatives boo and accuse the police of bias, though his remarks are largely drowned out.

The disruption follows earlier appeals for stakeholders to help ensure peaceful conduct, including a prior warning by the Ooni of Ife regarding rising political tension.