ICYMI: Adeleke campaign accuses APC of sponsoring political violence

Politics

OSOGBO, Nigeria (NPA) — The Imole Campaign Council (TICC), the campaign organisation of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of sponsoring political violence in the state, alleging that the attacks reflect the opposition party’s loss of public support ahead of the governorship election.

In a statement, TICC condemned what it described as a wave of violent attacks targeting members of the Accord Party and supporters of Governor Adeleke.

The council alleged that recent incidents had heightened tension across the state and resulted in the loss of lives.

According to the campaign organisation, democracy should be driven by the contest of ideas rather than violence and intimidation.

“The reckless embrace of intimidation and bloodshed is not only a brutal attack on our democratic values but also confirms that the APC has lost the support of the people,” the statement said.

TICC alleged that the opposition was resorting to violence in a desperate bid to impose itself on the electorate instead of seeking support through democratic means.

It maintained that elections should be decided through the ballot box and urged that no citizen should be attacked or killed for exercising the right to vote.

The campaign council expressed confidence that Governor Adeleke’s performance over the past three and a half years had earned him widespread public support and justified his bid for a second term in office.

It urged the APC to campaign on its record in government rather than allegedly sponsoring political thugs to create fear and insecurity.

While acknowledging the political tensions in the state, the council insisted that violence and bloodshed have no place in a democratic society.

It called on security agencies to take decisive action against those responsible for politically motivated attacks and ensure the protection of lives and property.

TICC particularly commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for what it described as efforts to address the growing security concerns in Osun.

The council urged the police chief to order a thorough, impartial and professional investigation into all politically motivated killings in the state and ensure that perpetrators, as well as anyone found to have sponsored the attacks, are brought to justice.

It also called for disciplinary action against police officers who allegedly compromise professional ethics or aid criminal activities.

The campaign organisation reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful political engagement and urged residents to continue supporting democratic values.

According to the council, the people of Osun have made their choice to continue with the Adeleke administration, adding that no amount of violence would undermine their resolve.