The All Progressives Congress has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of failing to control his supporters and rein in violence in Osun ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In an interview on ARISE TV on Wednesday, the party’s spokesperson, Felix Morka, said, “Governor Adeleke has not justified himself as the chief security officer of the state to rein in his supporters in terms of violence happening in the state.”
The APC’s statement came after Mr Adeleke demanded the immediate investigation and arrest of the senator representing Osun East senatorial district, Francis Fadahunsi, who openly instructed his supporters to kill Accord Party’s members in Ilesa and other parts of the state ahead of the poll.
Mr Fadahunsi’s directive drew widespread reactions from Nigerians who condemned the escalating violence in the state ahead of the poll.
Mr Morka said the federal lawmaker had since been invited by the police for questioning and added, “But the police are doing their job trying to stop the violence. They have invited the senator for questioning. Let’s leave them to do their job.”
The politician noted that the APC totally condemned the violence in the state, stressing the need for a peaceful atmosphere during the election.
“We at the APC totally condemn the violence in Osun in the lead-up to this election, and we hope that those responsible for maintaining law and order will arrest people participating in it. We don’t encourage it as a party. The election must be conducted in an atmosphere where people can vote without looking over their backs,” Mr Morka stated.
Meanwhile, Mr Adeleke at a recent ARISE TV town hall meeting said his supporters were not sponsoring the violence, insisting that no amount of intimidation and violence would stop the people from voting for him on Saturday.
“Accord members are being arrested and killed for nothing. As I speak, our candidate, Alaba Popoola, has not been released. Osun people are ready. No amount of intimidation can stop me from winning this Saturday,” the governor said.
