By Newsworld

OSOGBO, Osun State — The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of failing to rein in alleged political thugs, warning that the state could become increasingly insecure ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

Speaking at a world press conference attended by Newsworld tem and other media organisations on Tuesday at the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Office in Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo, the Director-General of the APC Campaign Council, Hon. Oluwole Wole Oke, condemned what he described as a growing wave of politically motivated violence targeting supporters of the party and its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).

AMBO Condemns Political Violence In Osun, Promises Zero Tolerance For Criminality

Oke alleged that criminal elements operating under the influence of the ruling party were responsible for attacks, intimidation, and harassment of APC members across various parts of the state.

According to him, campaign buses belonging to the APC were allegedly attacked and vandalised by suspected PDP and Accord Party hoodlums in the Owode-Ede area on June 9, leaving several supporters injured and campaign materials destroyed.

“Such brazen acts of violence have no place in a democratic society and should alarm every well-meaning citizen of Osun State,” Oke said.

The APC chieftain noted that Owode-Ede has become a recurring flashpoint for political violence, recalling the 2022 attack on former First Lady of Osun State, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola, in the same area.

He expressed concern over what he described as the increasing boldness of criminal elements due to an alleged lack of decisive action by authorities.

The party also raised allegations concerning recent disturbances in Osogbo, claiming that a government appointee, Nurudeen Alowonle, who it alleged remains wanted by security agencies, was involved in violent clashes within a factional group.

Oke further alleged that buses branded with Governor Adeleke’s insignia were seen transporting individuals carrying dangerous weapons and allegedly firing gunshots in public places.

The APC said innocent residents suffered injuries during the violence while many citizens now live in fear due to escalating political tensions in parts of the state.

The opposition party extended sympathy to victims of violence recorded in Osogbo, Ile-Ife, and other affected communities, offering prayers to families who suffered losses and injuries.

During the briefing, the APC called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies to urgently intervene and investigate recent incidents of political violence.

The party specifically requested investigations into the alleged attack on APC campaign buses in Owode-Ede, attacks on its members in Ile-Ife, and the disturbances recorded in Osogbo.

“Those found culpable, irrespective of their political affiliations or connections, should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Oke stated.

The APC also accused Governor Adeleke of allegedly harbouring individuals facing criminal allegations, citing the cases of Olalekan Emir Ajagungbade and Jide Joda, both of whom the party claimed are wanted by law enforcement authorities.

The party further referenced the killings of APC chieftain Hon. Remi Abass, former Chairman of Irewole Local Government, and APC Ward 9 Treasurer Saheed Oyegunju, alleging that justice had yet to be fully served in both cases.

Oke maintained that no political office should be pursued at the expense of human lives and urged stakeholders, election observers, civil society organisations, and the international community to closely monitor developments in Osun State ahead of the governorship election.

“The people of Osun State deserve peace, security and a level playing field as preparations intensify for the forthcoming governorship election,” he said.

He added that the APC would continue its political activities peacefully despite what he described as intimidation and provocations.

The APC concluded by urging Governor Adeleke to distance himself from political violence and cooperate with security agencies in ensuring peace and stability across the state.

Newsworld reports that the allegations made by the APC at the press conference are claims by the opposition party and had not been independently verified as of the time of filing this report. The Osun State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations at the time of publication.