Nigeria: Gubernatorial elections in Osun state Sep. 22

Event

Gubernatorial elections will take place in Osun state (southwest) on Saturday, September 22. Election-related violence surrounding the vote is possible; historically, elections in the state have been marred by violence. The ruling APC party (All Progressive Party) seeks to retain power, with the opposition PDP party (People's Democratic Party) looking for a win in the Southwest after having recently lost the only state it had controlled in the region, Ekiti. A heightened security presence is likely ahead of, during, and after the vote.

Context

The campaign period is set to end on September 20. The governor serves a four-year term.

Advice

Individuals in Osun state are advised to obey all instructions issued by the authorities, expect increased security measures, and anticipate traffic disruptions. Avoid any potential demonstrations or political events due to the risk of violence, which can erupt with little or no notice. Generally speaking, the security environment in Nigeria is complex and is particularly concerning in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, and Jigawa as well as parts of Kano and Adamawa states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.