The United Kingdom has issued fresh travel advice ahead of the Osun governorship election, warning people in the state to expect a heavier security presence and possible travel restrictions as voters prepare to go to the polls on Saturday, 15 August. The advice affects British nationals and other travellers in Osun, who have been urged to follow local instructions and carry a passport or another form of identification while moving around the state.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, FCDO, updated its Nigeria travel advice on Thursday, 13 August, specifically to include information about the Osun election.
It said security would be increased in Osogbo, the state capital, and surrounding parts of Osun from Friday, a day before voting.
“On Saturday 15 August, Governorship elections will take place in Osun State. A heavier security presence is expected in Osogbo and surrounding Osun State from Friday 14 August. Travel restrictions may also be in place,” the FCDO said.
It advised travellers to follow local advice and carry identification in case security personnel request it.
The warning does not mean Britain has advised against all travel to Osun State. The FCDO maintains separate warnings against all or non-essential travel to several parts of Nigeria because of wider security concerns, but Osun is not currently included among the states covered by those restrictions.
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UK travel advice comes as security tightens for Osun election
The British government’s update comes as Nigerian security agencies step up preparations for the governorship election across Osun’s 30 local government areas.
The Nigeria Police Force has warned political parties, candidates and supporters that violence, voter intimidation, ballot snatching and vote buying will not be tolerated during the election.
Police said authorised security agencies would be deployed to polling units, collation centres and other strategic locations to protect voters, electoral officials, observers, journalists and election materials.
The force has also barred non-state security organisations, including the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, vigilante groups, hunters’ associations and neighbourhood watch groups, from taking part in election security operations.
Such groups are not permitted to escort election materials, guard polling stations, establish checkpoints or carry weapons as part of election operations.
The police said security responsibility would remain with recognised agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service and other authorised bodies.
Firearms and dangerous weapons have also been prohibited around polling units and collation centres, except when carried by authorised security officers performing official duties.
Adeleke, Oyebamiji, Salaam lead race
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has scheduled the Osun governorship election for Saturday, 15 August 2026.
Thirteen candidates remain in the contest, although the race is widely seen as being dominated by incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, and former Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress.
About 2.4 million registered voters are eligible to participate across 3,763 polling units in the state’s 332 wards, according to figures reported ahead of the election.
Adeleke is seeking another term after winning the 2022 governorship election, when he defeated then-governor Gboyega Oyetola.
The final days of campaigning have seen the leading candidates make last-minute appeals to voters as political parties attempt to strengthen support across the state’s three senatorial districts.
What residents and travellers should know
People travelling within Osun on Friday and Saturday should prepare for additional security checks and possible restrictions on movement.
Anyone affected should follow instructions issued by Nigerian authorities rather than assuming that normal transport arrangements will continue throughout election day.
British nationals are specifically being advised by the FCDO to carry a passport or other identification and monitor local information for changes to security or movement arrangements.
Residents should also avoid confrontations around polling stations and report suspicious activity to recognised security agencies.
The police have said personnel deployed for the poll have been instructed to act professionally and impartially while protecting voters’ right to participate without intimidation.
The UK advice does not question whether the Osun election should proceed. Instead, it reflects the heightened security and possible disruption expected as millions of eligible voters prepare to choose the person who will govern the state for the next four years.
