The Naija Times publisher warns against political violence and vote buying as residents prepare for Saturday’s governorship election

Ehi Braimah, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Naija Times, has urged politicians and voters in Osun State to reject violence and ensure a peaceful governorship election on Saturday, August 15, 2026, as security concerns and political tensions intensify across the state.

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August 15 poll on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Braimah described the atmosphere surrounding the election as “war” while warning that ordinary citizens should not be made to bear the human cost of political competition.

“This is war,” Braimah said in his reaction to the security situation ahead of the poll.

He questioned why citizens should risk their lives over an election taking place in only one state.

“Politicians didn’t care about us. All the parties are guilty. Why should people die all because of one election, in one state, Osun State? Let us have a peaceful election,” he said.

The remarks come against a tense political backdrop, with competing parties intensifying their final mobilisation and security agencies preparing to maintain order at polling units across Osun.

Braimah called on voters to participate in the election but urged them not to allow political inducements to determine their choices.

“Come out and vote. Do not settle for N15,000 and rice and garri,” he said.

His warning reflects a broader concern about vote buying and the use of short-term material incentives during elections, particularly where economic hardship can make voters vulnerable to inducements.

The Naija Times publisher also criticised political actors who distribute money while making extreme declarations about their preferred candidates, stressing that political loyalty should never become a justification for violence.

“And for those giving money and still swearing that they will die, nothing will happen,” Braimah said.

The intervention comes as attention remains focused on the ability of security agencies to protect voters, candidates, party agents and election officials during the poll.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has separately assured political parties, civil society organisations and residents of its readiness to conduct the election, while urging stakeholders to support a peaceful electoral process.

The security concerns have also been accompanied by allegations and counter-allegations among political camps, adding to public anxiety ahead of voting.

Against that backdrop, Ehi Braimah’s Osun election appeal centres on the personal consequences of political violence, particularly for residents who have little influence over the decisions of political leaders but may bear the consequences when tensions escalate.

His message is ultimately a powerful call for voters to protect both their democratic rights and their personal safety.

As Osun residents head to polling units, Braimah urged them to make independent choices, reject violence and return home safely after exercising their franchise.

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The emphasis, he said, should remain on the ballot rather than the battlefield.