The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, has dismissed Governor Ademola Adeleke’s call for visa restrictions and economic sanctions against opposition leaders, describing the move as a reflection of the governor’s fear of electoral defeat.

Oyebamiji made the remarks while receiving a delegation from the British High Commission during a meeting ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

The APC candidate’s comments came days after Governor Adeleke urged the British Government to impose visa bans and economic sanctions on some opposition politicians over allegations of sponsoring political violence in the state.

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Addressing the British delegation, Oyebamiji rejected the allegations levelled against him and other APC leaders, insisting that the ruling party in Osun was attempting to divert attention from its own political challenges ahead of the election.

He argued that the governor’s appeal for international sanctions reflected apprehension over the outcome of the forthcoming poll rather than genuine concerns about security.

The APC governorship candidate also maintained that if any political party had reason to complain about political violence, it was the APC, alleging that several of its supporters had lost their lives in politically motivated attacks during the ongoing campaign.

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Oyebamiji accused loyalists of the Accord Party of contributing to the rising political tension in the state, alleging that they were responsible for several violent incidents recorded during the campaign period.

He urged security agencies to remain impartial in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities and called for those responsible for violent acts, regardless of political affiliation, to be investigated and prosecuted.

The APC candidate also expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying he believed the electoral body would conduct a free, fair and credible governorship election.

He appealed to the British delegation and other international observers to continue encouraging peaceful participation by all stakeholders and to support efforts aimed at ensuring a transparent electoral process.

Adeleke Earlier Sought International Sanctions

Governor Adeleke had earlier called on the British Government to impose visa restrictions and economic sanctions on prominent opposition figures, including former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and other APC leaders, accusing them of encouraging political violence through their supporters.

The governor also urged security agencies to arrest anyone found culpable, regardless of political affiliation, while reiterating his administration’s zero-tolerance policy on political violence.

Political activities have intensified across Osun State in the build-up to the August 15 governorship election, with both the APC and the ruling Accord Party repeatedly accusing each other of sponsoring violence and intimidation.

The British delegation, led by Senior Political Adviser Wale Adebajo, said its visit formed part of ongoing pre-election peacebuilding efforts aimed at promoting a peaceful, credible and transparent electoral process in the state.