Gunmen Attack Osun APC Candidate’s Convoy Days Before Governorship Election

The security situation in Osun State has taken another worrying turn after gunmen reportedly opened fire on the campaign convoy of All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO.

The reported attack occurred on Wednesday as Oyebamiji and members of his campaign team were returning from an event in the Ife Federal Constituency, according to reports published Thursday.

The incident comes just two days before the August 15 governorship election, adding to growing fears over political violence in the state.

Oyebamiji Reportedly Escapes Unhurt

According to reports from sources close to the APC campaign, the gunmen targeted the Tinubu/AMBO campaign convoy after the team left an event involving the inauguration of canvassers in the constituency.

Oyebamiji was reportedly inside the convoy when the shooting occurred.

He and other members of the campaign team were said to have escaped unharmed.

There have been no confirmed reports of deaths or injuries involving the APC candidate from this particular incident.

However, images and video circulating online reportedly show what appear to be bullet marks on the door of a green vehicle bearing Oyebamiji's portrait.

Attackers Have Not Been Identified

One of the biggest unanswered questions is who carried out the attack.

As of the latest reports, the identities and motives of the gunmen had not been established.

There was also no confirmed announcement of arrests connected with the incident.

That uncertainty has fuelled further speculation online, with supporters and opponents of the major political parties trading accusations.

Those accusations, however, should not be treated as established facts without evidence.

X Erupts Over the Attack

The incident has quickly become another major talking point on X.

APC supporters have condemned the reported shooting and described it as evidence that the security situation surrounding the election is becoming increasingly dangerous.

Some users are demanding immediate action from security agencies, arguing that political candidates should not have to campaign under the threat of armed attacks.

Others are urging Nigerians not to rush to conclusions about who was behind the incident.

The central concern shared by many users is that political violence could escalate as election day approaches.

It Comes After an Attack on Oyebamiji’s Wife’s Convoy

The latest incident is particularly concerning because it follows another reported attack involving the APC candidate's family.

On August 3, gunmen reportedly attacked the convoy of Sekinat Oyebamiji, the candidate's wife, in Ede South Local Government Area after a political engagement.

She and the wife of APC deputy governorship candidate Kayode Adereti reportedly escaped unharmed.

However, a member of the convoy — identified as the NURTW chairman of the Sekona branch — was seriously injured.

The two incidents have raised questions about whether political actors and their supporters are becoming increasingly vulnerable as the election approaches.

Osun Has Already Witnessed Political Violence

The reported attack does not happen in isolation.

Osun has experienced several violent incidents linked to political activities during the current election cycle.

In an earlier clash between supporters of the ruling Accord Party and APC in Osogbo, one person was feared dead and two others were injured, according to reports.

The continuing allegations from both political camps have created an atmosphere of suspicion.

Each side has accused the other of contributing to the insecurity.

Neither side's political accusations should be accepted as fact without independent evidence.

Why the Timing Is Alarming

The timing could hardly be more sensitive.

Voters are due to head to the polls on Saturday, August 15, to decide whether incumbent Governor Ademola Adelekewill retain his position or whether another candidate will take over the state.

The final days before an election are traditionally when campaigns intensify.

Candidates move between communities.

Supporters organise rallies and mobilisation meetings.

Party officials travel around the state.

That also creates more opportunities for clashes if tensions are not controlled.

A Candidate's Convoy Should Not Become a Target

Regardless of political affiliation, an attack on a candidate's convoy represents a serious threat to the democratic process.

Political candidates should be able to campaign without fear of being shot at.

Their supporters should also be able to attend political events without putting their lives at risk.

The same principle applies to voters.

A person should not have to choose between exercising their democratic right and protecting their life.

The Political Camps Are Trading Accusations

The Osun election has become increasingly polarised.

The Accord camp and APC have repeatedly exchanged accusations over political violence and intimidation.

Earlier allegations have included claims that political thugs were operating in branded campaign vehicles.

Those allegations have been rejected by the accused side.

The latest attack is therefore likely to become another point of political confrontation.

But the priority should be determining what actually happened rather than allowing competing accusations to inflame the situation further.

Security Agencies Under Pressure

The latest incident places additional pressure on the police and other security agencies deployed for the election.

Authorities now have to determine:

• Who attacked the convoy?

• Where did the attackers come from?

• What was their motive?

• Were they connected to any political group?

• Why was the convoy vulnerable?

• Have similar attacks been linked?

• Are additional security measures required for election day?

The answers could help prevent another attack.

Nigerians Are Worried About Election Day

The strongest public concern is what happens when millions of voters begin moving to polling units on Saturday.

If political candidates are being attacked before the election, voters may fear becoming victims of violence on election day.

That could reduce turnout in vulnerable communities.

It could also create opportunities for intimidation.

An election cannot be considered genuinely free if voters are too afraid to participate.

"Let the People Decide"

One message increasingly visible in the online debate is that the election should be settled at the ballot box.

The candidates may disagree.

Their supporters may campaign aggressively.

Political parties may have completely different visions for Osun.

But none of that should require violence.

The ballot paper should determine the winner.

Not bullets.

A Dangerous Pattern

The succession of incidents is what makes the latest attack particularly troubling.

First came allegations of clashes involving party supporters.

Then the reported attack on Oyebamiji's wife's convoy.

Now the APC candidate's own convoy has reportedly come under fire.

Even if the incidents are unrelated, their proximity is enough to create serious concern.

Security agencies need to establish whether there is a broader pattern.

The Online Debate Is Also Becoming Heated

As the video and images circulate, X users are trying to establish their own versions of what happened.

Some are focusing on the apparent bullet damage to vehicles.

Others are asking whether the attack could have been politically motivated.

Some are accusing rival political camps without presenting publicly verified evidence.

That is where caution becomes important.

In an election environment already filled with tension, unverified accusations can quickly become fuel for retaliation.

What Happens Next Matters

The immediate priority should be investigation and prevention.

If the attackers can be identified, they should be prosecuted according to the law.

Political parties should also publicly discourage supporters from retaliating.

And security agencies need to reassure voters that they will be protected on election day.

The worst possible outcome would be for one violent incident to trigger another.

Osun Cannot Afford More Violence

The state has already endured enough political tension.

The coming election should offer residents the opportunity to choose their leaders peacefully.

Political disagreements will continue after Saturday.

Candidates will win or lose.

Parties will celebrate or regroup.

But the lives of ordinary Nigerians cannot be replaced.

That is why every political actor has a responsibility to lower the temperature.

The Bottom Line

APC Osun governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji reportedly escaped unharmed after gunmen opened fire on his campaign convoy while he and his team were returning from an event in the Ife Federal Constituency.

The attack happened just days before the state's August 15 governorship election and follows a separate reported attack on the convoy of Oyebamiji's wife earlier this month, in which one person was seriously injured.

The identities and motives of the latest attackers remain unclear, and there is no verified evidence at this stage linking the attack to any particular political party.

But the incident has already intensified the conversation on X about election security, political violence and the safety of voters.

With the election now only days away, Osun faces a critical test.

The state does not need more accusations, more gunshots or more political bloodshed. It needs an election where candidates campaign freely, voters vote without fear and the winner is determined by the people.