Tension in Osun as APC, Adeleke Exchange Blame Over Political Violence

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

There was heightened tension in Osun State on Tuesday following renewed accusations between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke over incidents of political violence in parts of the state.

The APC Governorship Campaign Council accused Governor Ademola Adeleke and supporters of the ruling party of orchestrating a series of attacks on opposition members and innocent residents, describing the development as a growing threat to peace and democratic stability in the state.

The allegations come amid reports of clashes, destruction of property and sporadic gunfire in parts of Osogbo and Ede, raising fresh concerns over security ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

In a statement issued by the Head of Media and Publicity Committee of the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council, Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, the party expressed concern over what it described as a rising wave of politically motivated attacks allegedly targeting supporters of its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).

The APC alleged that criminal elements linked to the ruling party had intensified attacks, intimidation and harassment of opposition members, creating fear among residents and disrupting political activities across the state.

According to the party, campaign buses belonging to the APC were attacked on Tuesday morning in the Owode-Ede area by individuals it described as suspected PDP and Accord Party loyalists.

It claimed that several supporters of its candidate sustained injuries during the incident, while campaign materials and other valuables were destroyed.

The APC also alleged that, days earlier, the business vehicle of a prominent party supporter, Alhaja Falilat Ero Erike, was attacked in the same area by persons believed to be political thugs, leaving employees injured and property damaged.

The party further alleged that victims of the attack were warned against political activities in Ede because of their affiliation with the opposition.

Describing the incidents as unacceptable, the APC questioned what it called restrictions on citizens’ political rights.

“Why should the electoral preference of a citizen become a criminal offence?” the statement asked.

The opposition party also raised concerns over an individual identified as Nurudeen Alowonle, whom it alleged was previously arrested with firearms and ammunition but remains active in politically linked violent incidents.

It further alleged that vehicles bearing political insignia linked to Governor Adeleke’s camp were used to transport armed individuals during recent disturbances.

The APC urged security agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police, to investigate the incidents and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice regardless of political affiliation.

The party expressed sympathy for victims of the violence and called for urgent intervention to prevent further escalation.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with every victim and family affected by these unfortunate incidents,” the statement added.

The allegations come amid counter-claims from the state government, which has also accused APC supporters of orchestrating coordinated attacks in communities including Ile-Ife, Ede and Osogbo.

Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier alleged that armed groups linked to the opposition invaded parts of the state and attacked residents—claims the APC has strongly denied.

As both sides continue to trade accusations, political observers have expressed concern over rising tensions in the state ahead of the upcoming governorship election.

Stakeholders have called on security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and political actors to exercise restraint and embrace dialogue in order to maintain peace in the state.

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the conflicting allegations from both political camps.