Osun Political Climate Grows Increasingly Tense

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Accord Party and some lawmakers of deliberately spreading false allegations of violence in a bid to tarnish its image ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

In a statement issued on Friday, the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, dismissed claims linking the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola to acts of political violence and misconduct. According to the party, the allegations are nothing more than fabricated stories aimed at misleading the public and disrupting its campaign efforts.

The APC also rejected reports alleging attacks on political opponents and accusations that vehicles were being branded with Accord Party insignia to create unrest across the state. The party urged residents to disregard what it described as baseless claims against its leadership and governorship candidate.

Reaffirming its position, the APC maintained that Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, remains focused on a peaceful and issue-based campaign. The party stressed that its candidate has no reason to resort to violence, expressing confidence that victory can be achieved through lawful democratic processes.

As the election draws closer, the APC says its political mobilisation and campaign strategy have placed it in a strong position ahead of the poll. The party also criticised the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, arguing that voter dissatisfaction could significantly influence the outcome of the election.

According to the APC, many of the allegations being levelled against it are designed to divert public attention from challenges confronting rival political groups while generating sympathy for their cause.

The party further pledged its commitment to peaceful political engagement, insisting that violence has never been part of its strategy and never will be. It called on residents across Osun State to remain vigilant and contribute to maintaining peace throughout the election period.

Meanwhile, the Accord Party has also raised concerns about the conduct of security agencies. During a press briefing on Friday, lawmakers from the party called for the immediate redeployment of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, alleging partisanship. The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, also accused the APC of orchestrating violence ahead of the crucial poll.

With both parties exchanging accusations and counter-accusations, political temperatures continue to rise across Osun State. Observers believe security agencies will play a vital role in ensuring peace, protecting voters, and safeguarding the credibility of the electoral process.

As campaign activities intensify, the unfolding drama highlights the growing political rivalry in Osun State and underscores the significance of the August 15 governorship election, a contest many expect to be fiercely fought until the final vote is cast.