The Osun APC rejects Adeleke political persecution claims as the party has dismissed allegations by Governor Ademola Adeleke that he and members of the Accord Party are being targeted ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) described the governor’s claims as unfounded, accusing him of attempting to create unnecessary tension ahead of the election. However, Adeleke has insisted that his supporters are facing violence and intimidation.
Speaking during a campaign rally in Osogbo on Monday, Adeleke appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the state’s security situation, alleging that several members of the Accord Party had been attacked.
The governor claimed that seven Accord members had been killed within three months, while more than 20 others sustained gunshot injuries and over 60 party members remained in police custody.
Adeleke also alleged that some police personnel were collaborating with political opponents to intimidate Accord members, urging the President to ensure a free, fair, and credible election in Osun State.
He further called on Tinubu to caution the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and Senator Francis Fadahunsi, whom he accused of being linked to alleged attacks against his supporters.
“My people are being killed every day. We will not accept any rigging. We will go out en masse and defend our votes,” Adeleke stated.
Also speaking at the rally, Director-General of the Imole Campaign, Senator Lere Oyewumi, alleged that security agencies had begun arresting Accord leaders ahead of the election. Deputy Director-General Kolapo Alimi also claimed that some party leaders were arrested and their properties vandalised.
Reacting to the allegations, the Osun APC, through its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, rejected the claims, describing them as “misplaced” and “frivolous.”
The party accused Adeleke of attempting to blame President Tinubu and former Governor Oyetola for his political challenges, insisting that the governor had failed to provide evidence to support his allegations.
The Osun APC rejects Adeleke political persecution claims while maintaining that the governor’s comments were aimed at creating excuses ahead of the August 15 election.
The APC argued that if Adeleke believed his administration had performed well, voters would determine his fate through a free and fair electoral process. The party also dismissed claims concerning withheld state funds and criticisms of Oyetola, describing them as lacking substance.
BACKSTORY:
The dispute comes amid rising political tension in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election. Governor Ademola Adeleke has raised concerns over alleged violence against his supporters, calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure a peaceful election.
The APC, however, has rejected the accusations, accusing Adeleke of using the claims to create sympathy and prepare excuses ahead of the poll. The disagreement has intensified the political rivalry between the ruling party in the state and opposition figures as both sides continue their campaigns.
The election is expected to be closely watched due to the competing claims over security, fairness, and the credibility of the electoral process.
