Adeleke
Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the security situation in Osun State, alleging ongoing repression, killings and detention of residents ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Osogbo, Adeleke alleged that seven Accord Party members had been killed in the last three months, more than 20 others sustained gunshot injuries, while over 60 members remained in police detention.
The governor alleged that some elements within the police were working with APC thugs to attack Accord members, urging the President to intervene and ensure the conduct of a free and fair election in the state.
He also alleged that innocent people were being killed and that some APC members were invoking the President’s name while carrying out attacks, warning that such actions were dragging Tinubu’s image into disrepute.
Adeleke appealed to the President to call the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, and Senator Francis Fadahunsi to order, describing the alleged killings and attacks on Accord members as a threat to democracy.
According to him, the Osun governorship election was attracting both national and international attention, with embassies and human rights groups monitoring alleged cases of human rights abuses in the state.
The governor urged Tinubu to act as the father of the nation, noting that his supporters had endorsed the President’s re-election and expected stakeholders to demonstrate love to the people of Osun rather than subject them to violence.
Adeleke maintained that Osun people would not bow to threats or intimidation and insisted they would defend their right to freely elect a leader of their choice.
Also speaking at the rally, the Director-General of the Imole Campaign, Senator Lere Oyewumi, alleged that the APC, in collaboration with the police, had begun arresting Accord leaders ahead of the election.
Oyewumi said the alleged shootings and arrests across parts of the state would not stop the re-election of Governor Adeleke, insisting that the governor continued to enjoy widespread support because of his performance in office.
The Deputy Director-General of the campaign, Kolapo Alimi, also alleged that several Accord leaders were arrested the previous night and that their properties were vandalised during the operation.
Alimi claimed there were plans for more arrests, stressing that such actions would not diminish the popularity of the Accord Party or intimidate its members.
The Accord candidate for Osun Central Senatorial District, Hon. Ganiyu Olaoluwa, also alleged that members of the party were being targeted, with more than 60 Accord members in detention and several homes raided.
He, however, expressed confidence that the party would secure victory in the governorship election with the support of the people.
The governor later met with members of the Butchers Association and the Hausa community, who pledged their support for his re-election.