Osun Election: Adeleke, APC Trade Accusations Over Security Ahead of August 15 Poll

The political atmosphere ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State intensified on Tuesday as the Imole Campaign Council (TICC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) exchanged accusations over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s comments on political violence and security in the state.

The disagreement followed remarks by Governor Adeleke during the Accord governorship campaign rally in Olorunda Local Government Area, where he appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene over what he described as rising political tension ahead of the election.

Imole Campaign defends Adeleke

Responding to the governor’s comments, the Imole Campaign Council maintained that Adeleke neither attacked nor insulted the President, insisting that his appeal was aimed at drawing attention to alleged insecurity and political intimidation in the state.

In a statement signed by the council’s Director-General, Senator Lere Oyewumi, the campaign said the governor merely urged President Tinubu, as the country’s leader, to ensure a peaceful and credible governorship election.

According to Oyewumi, Adeleke called on the President to prevail on the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, to prevent a recurrence of political violence in the state.

The council further alleged that several of its members had been victims of politically motivated attacks, claiming that seven members had been killed, more than 20 sustained gunshot injuries, while over 60 supporters remained in police custody.

It urged security agencies to enforce the law fairly and ensure a level playing field throughout the election period.

APC dismisses allegations

The Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council rejected Adeleke’s claims, describing the allegations against President Tinubu as false and without evidence.

In a statement signed by its Director-General, Wole Oke, the APC accused the governor of politicising security issues ahead of the election.

The party also dismissed claims that the Federal Government was withholding allocations meant for Osun’s 30 local government councils, insisting that the constitutionally recognised local government administration had continued to receive statutory allocations.

According to the APC, President Tinubu remains committed to constitutional governance and democratic principles.

The opposition party further alleged that more than 30 of its members and supporters had been killed since 2022, claiming that many of the attacks were carried out by individuals it described as political thugs aligned with the ruling Accord administration.

“Rather than distracting the public from discussing his administration, Governor Adeleke should prepare to accept the verdict of the electorate with maturity and dignity,” the APC statement said.

The exchange comes as political campaigns intensify ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with both parties making fresh allegations over security and political violence.