A bullet-riddled campaign vehicle belonging to the Osun APC governorship campaign has become the latest flashpoint in an increasingly tense election, with claims that the vehicle was targeted in an assassination attempt against APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji’s convoy.
Videos circulating online show several apparent bullet impacts concentrated along one side of the vehicle. However, the circumstances surrounding the damage have not been independently established, and the absence of reported injuries has already prompted competing claims about what actually happened. That makes verification more important than political speculation with voting just days away.
The allegation does not emerge in isolation. Osun’s 2026 campaign has already been marked by accusations of political violence. Oyebamiji previously alleged that at least 25 APC members were killed during the political crisis surrounding the 2022 election. The APC also previously reported an alleged assassination attempt against its campaign director-general, Wole Oke, in July.
There have also been reports of attacks involving campaign vehicles and supporters, adding to concerns that political confrontation could escalate as the August 15 election approaches. But this latest incident presents a different problem: the information war may become almost as dangerous as the physical violence.
If the vehicle was genuinely attacked, authorities need to establish where, when and how the shots were fired, identify the weapons involved and determine whether the incident was connected to the campaign. If the evidence does not support an assassination claim, that should also be established publicly.
The worst outcome would be for political parties to immediately turn an unverified incident into propaganda. Osun voters are already entering an extremely sensitive final stretch. The election date is August 15, and Oyebamiji is challenging incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke in what is expected to be a closely watched contest.
What should Nigerians expect now? More accusations, more dramatic videos and potentially more attempts to shape public opinion through social media.
That is precisely why independent investigation matters. A bullet hole is evidence of damage. It is not, by itself, proof of an assassination attempt. Before Osun votes, voters deserve facts, not another political battle fought through competing narratives.
