The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed concern over what it described as a rising wave of politically motivated violence in the state ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo on behalf of the APC, the Director General of Campaign Council, Hon. Oluwole Oke, accused Governor Ademola Adeleke and the supporters of the ruling Accord Party of orchestrating attacks against members and supporters of the APC, particularly those backing the party’s governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
Oke alleged that APC campaign vehicles and supporters were attacked and properties vandalised in the Owe-Ede area on June 9, leaving several party members injured.
He described the incident as part of a growing pattern of intimidation and harassment targeted at opposition supporters in the state.
According to him, Owe-Ede has become a recurring flashpoint for politically related attacks, recalling previous incidents that reportedly occurred in the community.
The APC campaign Council also expressed concern over what he described as the open activities of armed political thugs in parts of Osogbo and other communities, alleging that some individuals linked to the ruling party were involved in acts capable of threatening public peace.
He called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to take decisive steps to rein in political actors and supporters allegedly engaging in violence, warning that continued attacks could heighten tension and insecurity in the state.
Oke further urged security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to investigate recent incidents of violence and bring perpetrators to justice regardless of their political affiliations.
The APC also raised concerns over cases involving individuals allegedly wanted by law enforcement agencies, claiming that some suspects connected to previous criminal cases had not been apprehended.
While expressing sympathy with victims of recent attacks and their families, the party reiterated its commitment to peaceful political participation and lawful electioneering activities across the state.
The APC appealed to election observers, civil society organisations and the international community to closely monitor political developments in Osun State ahead of the governorship poll.
The party maintained that no political ambition is worth the loss of lives and property, stressing the need for all stakeholders to promote peace, security and a level playing field before, during and after the election.
The allegations have not been independently verified, while the Osun State Government and the Accord Party had yet to officially respond to the claims at the time of filing this report.
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