Fresh political controversy has erupted in Osun State following the death of Mrs. Taliat Simbiat during the primaries of the Accord Party in Iwo, as political parties traded accusations over violence and alleged thuggery linked to the exercise.

Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as painful and unfortunate. In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor condemned political violence and urged political actors to embrace peace and maturity in their conduct.

According to Adeleke, politics should remain a platform for service and development rather than violence and intimidation. He also praised members of the Accord Party for what he described as the largely peaceful conduct of the primaries across most parts of the state.

The governor described Mrs. Simbiat as a committed supporter of his administration and a respected political figure in Iwo and surrounding communities.

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The Accord Party also reacted to the incident, condemning the violence and extending sympathies to the deceased’s family. The party’s state chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, stated that more than 99 percent of the primaries across the state were peaceful and successful.

Akande described the violence in Iwo as an isolated incident that does not represent the party’s values or political culture. He added that investigations were already underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The party rejected claims that it harbours political thugs, insisting that it has consistently promoted peaceful political participation and lawful engagement among members and supporters.

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However, the All Progressives Congress presented a different narrative, alleging that the primaries witnessed widespread violence, destruction, and injuries in several locations across Osun State.

In a statement signed by Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, head of the APC Governorship Campaign Council’s Media and Publicity Committee, the opposition party claimed that multiple individuals were injured during the exercise and linked Mrs. Simbiat’s death to the violence in Iwo Local Government Area.

The APC described the incident as tragic and called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. The party urged Governor Adeleke’s administration to cooperate fully with security agencies to ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.

The opposition party also stressed the need for accountability, warning that political violence threatens democratic stability and public confidence in electoral processes.

Growing Concern Over Political Violence

The incident has renewed concerns about political violence in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape, especially as political parties intensify preparations ahead of future elections.

Observers say the tragedy highlights the importance of stronger security coordination, internal party discipline, and peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms during political activities.

While both the Adeleke administration and the Accord Party have denied supporting thuggery or violence, pressure continues to mount on authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into the incident and prevent further unrest in the state.

Residents and political stakeholders are now calling for calm while awaiting the outcome of ongoing investigations into the death of Mrs. Simbiat and the disturbances recorded during the primaries.