By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo
A sociopolitical group in Osun State, the Pathfinder Team, has condemned the alleged vandalisation of Accord Party campaign billboards across parts of the state, describing the act as “barbaric” and capable of heightening political tension ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In a statement issued in Osogbo on Friday and signed by its State Coordinator, Hon. Diti Aluko, and Secretary, Sola Akinleye, the group alleged that billboards belonging to the Accord Party and the “Imole” campaign were destroyed in several local government areas.
The group listed affected areas as Irewole, Ayedaade, Ife, Irepodun, Oriade and Osogbo, claiming that the incidents reflected a growing pattern of political intolerance in the state.
According to the statement, the repeated destruction of campaign materials points to what it described as increasing desperation within the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), which it accused of failing to present a compelling alternative to the electorate.
The group alleged that the development posed a threat to democratic values and called on security agencies to urgently investigate and curb further acts of political violence.
“The act is a direct assault on democracy in Osun State. We condemn it in its entirety and urge security agencies to step in and prevent further breakdown of order,” the statement read.
It further claimed that the APC was attempting to undermine the popularity of Governor Ademola Adeleke, insisting that the electorate would resist any form of political intimidation ahead of the poll.
The group maintained that Osun remained a peaceful state and warned against turning it into a “theatre of violence” because of political competition.
It also expressed confidence that voters would re-elect Governor Adeleke based on what it described as his performance and responsiveness to public expectations.
Meanwhile, the Pathfinder Team reaffirmed its support for the Accord Party and urged its members to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the electioneering period.