Violence erupts in Osun election campaigns as APC and PDP trade accusations

DDM News

The ongoing local government election campaigns in Osun State have taken a violent turn.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are accusing each other of orchestrating violent attacks on their supporters.

The clashes have led to escalating tensions.

Both parties are now calling on security agencies to intervene before the elections scheduled for February 22.

The APC has called for swift action from the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun.

The Osun State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Muhammed Umar Abba, is also urged to intervene.

This comes after APC members were allegedly attacked by political thugs from the PDP during a local government campaign in Ilesa.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the APC’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the attack took place in the Igbogi area of Ilesa during the electioneering campaign.

The APC described the assault as “dastardly.”

Several of its members sustained serious injuries.

The party’s chairmanship candidate for Ilesa West Local Government Area, Mr. Tobiloba Famurewa, narrowly escaped the violence.

The APC has raised concerns about political violence in the region.

They referenced incidents from the 2022 and 2023 elections.

These saw more than 30 of its members and supporters killed by alleged PDP thugs.

These incidents have fueled the APC’s belief that security forces must act decisively to prevent further bloodshed.

The party has also named several individuals it claims were involved in organizing the attack.

They urge the police to arrest and investigate them.

The APC has raised the question of why their members were attacked if the PDP is indeed as popular as it claims in Ijesaland, where the violence reportedly occurred.

Despite the report of the attack to the Ayeso Police Station, the APC has appealed for a more urgent response.

Both the Inspector-General of Police and the state Commissioner of Police are called upon.

The party pointed to the historical precedent of election-related violence in the area.

The party also appealed to its supporters in Ilesa and the entire state to remain calm.

They trust that the security agencies will address the situation appropriately.

However, the PDP quickly denied these allegations.

They accused the APC of fabricating false stories in an attempt to manipulate the police.

The PDP also accused the APC of trying to subvert the democratic process.

The PDP’s Osun State Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi, issued a statement in which he described the APC’s claims as “the height of evil.”

According to the PDP, the APC was the aggressor, not the victim.

It was their party that had been targeted during the Ilesa rally, not the other way around.

The PDP called on the Inspector-General of Police and the state Commissioner of Police to reject the APC’s version of events.

They urged the police to hold the APC accountable for their violent actions.

In a clear rebuttal, the PDP clarified that it was their party, not the APC, that held the rally in Ilesa on Wednesday.

The APC, they said, had its own rally the day before, on Tuesday.

The PDP maintained that its members stayed away from the rally area to avoid any confrontation.

However, according to the PDP, APC thugs, led by Mr. Famurewa, violently disrupted the PDP rally.

This disruption reportedly led to the injuries of two PDP members, Owopetu Zachariah and Chibuzoh Alex, who were attacked with machetes.

The PDP also accused the APC of attempting to manipulate the situation.

The APC was allegedly using the media to portray themselves as victims to divert attention from their own violent actions.

Hon. Bisi dismissed the APC’s statement as a “media circus,” designed to shift the blame to the PDP.

He further alleged that the APC had a history of violence.

He cited other incidents of attacks on PDP members, particularly in the lead-up to the 2023 elections.

Among the cases cited by the PDP were the murders of its members, including Rafiu Quadri Abiodun, Elijah Baba Ewe, and Gbenga Femi.

They were allegedly killed by APC thugs in Ilesa.

The PDP also referenced the killing of a member, Wole, in Ifetedo.

Additionally, the PDP mentioned the shooting of another member, Gani Gele, in Ila Local Government.

The attack was allegedly carried out by the APC’s Organizing Secretary during the March 18 House of Assembly elections.

In his statement, Hon. Bisi urged the police to take action against the APC.

He urged the police not to be swayed by the party’s tactics to distort the truth.

He expressed concerns that the APC, having failed to achieve success in the courts, might resort to violence.

This could disrupt or discredit the upcoming election process.

The PDP chairman further called on the police to take a firm stance against such actions.

He emphasized the need to ensure that the local government elections are not derailed by violence and political thuggery.

Despite these accusations and counterclaims, both parties have emphasized their commitment to a peaceful election process.

The APC urged its supporters to remain law-abiding.

They expressed confidence in the ability of the police to protect the integrity of the upcoming election.

The PDP, on the other hand, reiterated its commitment to peace.

They pledged to support any efforts that would ensure the elections are conducted in a peaceful and democratic manner.

As political campaigns continue to intensify across Osun State, both the APC and PDP are calling on the security agencies to act swiftly.

Both parties want to ensure the upcoming elections are free from violence.

The two parties have also expressed concerns that the increasing tension in the state could negatively impact the democratic process.

Both parties are urging the police to prioritize the safety of voters and campaigners alike.

The increasing political tensions in Osun State have drawn attention to the role of law enforcement.

They are crucial in ensuring the integrity of the election process.

With accusations of violence, intimidation, and manipulation from both major political parties, the security agencies are under pressure.

They are expected to take concrete steps to prevent further incidents of political violence and uphold the rule of law.

As the February 22 elections approach, all eyes will be on Osun.

Voters, political leaders, and security agencies alike are hoping for a peaceful and fair election.

With political parties continuing to point fingers at one another over violent incidents, the police’s role in maintaining peace will be crucial.

They must ensure a smooth electoral process.

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