The political landscape in Osun State is becoming increasingly volatile as the August 15 governorship election approaches. Tensions spiked on Tuesday following a sharp exchange of words between the Imole Campaign Council, supporting Governor Ademola Adeleke, and the All Progressives Congress regarding security concerns.
The dispute originated from remarks made by Governor Adeleke at an Accord campaign event in Olorunda Local Government. He requested that President Bola Tinubu intervene to lower political tension. Senator Lere Oyewumi, representing the Imole Campaign Council, clarified that the Governor simply wanted a peaceful election and requested the President to restrain the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, from actions that could incite violence.
The Accord camp further alleged that recent political hostilities have resulted in the deaths of seven members, over 20 gunshot injuries, and the detention of more than 60 supporters. They have urged law enforcement to remain impartial during this period.
Conversely, the Osun APC Campaign Council, led by Director-General Wole Oke, dismissed these claims as groundless. The party argued that the Governor is politicizing security to distract from his governance record. Furthermore, the APC denied claims that the federal government is withholding local government allocations, asserting that statutory payments continue as required. The APC also reported that over 30 of its own supporters have been killed since 2022, blaming individuals allegedly linked to the current administration. The party urged Governor Adeleke to focus on the upcoming democratic process instead of creating what they labeled as false narratives.
