By Boluwatife Adedokun
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has called on the British High Commission and the international community to closely monitor the build-up to the August 15 governorship election, alleging escalating political violence and intimidation against its members and supporters.
The party made the appeal on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the British High Commission at the APC Governorship Campaign Council office in Osogbo.
Addressing the delegation, the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, said the visit by the British High Commission underscored the importance attached by the international community to Nigeria’s democracy and the conduct of peaceful, credible and transparent elections.
Oyebamiji alleged that members and supporters of the APC had come under repeated attacks by individuals linked to the Osun State Government and Governor Ademola Adeleke, warning that the situation could undermine public confidence in the electoral process if left unchecked.
He said the party had already brought its concerns to the attention of the Nigeria Police Force, adding that the Inspector-General of Police was recently briefed on security concerns in the state during his visit to Osun.
“We believe these allegations deserve thorough, impartial and professional investigation in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
According to the APC candidate, the party has documented more than 40 cases of politically motivated attacks against its members since 2022.
He alleged that several APC members, including Tajudeen Rabiu, Waheed, Muraina Olayiwola, Olalekan Ososondi, Ismail Dudu, Adeboye Ademoroti, Saheed Oyegunju, Remi Abass, Akeem and Muideen Alowonle, were killed in separate incidents across the state.
Oyebamiji further alleged that some of the attacks involved appointees of the Adeleke administration and other individuals associated with the ruling Accord Party, calling for thorough investigations into the incidents.
He also alleged that one of the suspects declared wanted by the police had continued to move freely despite the declaration.
The APC candidate urged the British High Commission and other international partners to sustain engagement with political stakeholders before, during and after the election, saying credible election observation would help strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
“We respectfully appeal to the British High Commission and other members of the international community to continue paying close attention to developments in Osun State before, during and after the election. We believe that robust election observation and sustained engagement with relevant stakeholders will contribute significantly to strengthening public confidence in the electoral process,” he said.
Reaffirming the party’s commitment to a peaceful campaign, Oyebamiji said the APC had consistently advised its members and supporters to remain law-abiding, reject violence and cooperate with security agencies.
“As we approach Election Day, we reaffirm our commitment to conducting our campaign peacefully and responsibly while encouraging all political actors to place the interest of democracy and the people of Osun State above every other consideration,” he added.
