The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of portraying himself as a victim of political violence to gain public sympathy ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
Oyebamiji dismissed Adeleke’s repeated claims that the APC and its supporters were attacking members of his administration and the Accord Party, insisting that the APC had suffered more political violence in the state.
Speaking with journalists, the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) alleged that several APC members had been killed or attacked since the 2022 governorship election.
“We are the victims. The governor is just playing the victim to curry sympathy. In his mind, he knows the truth,” Oyebamiji said.
He alleged that more than 25 APC members were killed during the 2022 governorship election, adding that the party had documented further cases of politically motivated attacks and killings since 2023.
Oyebamiji cited the killing of the former Chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, Remi Abass, within the council secretariat, as one of the incidents allegedly suffered by APC members.
He also referenced recent reports of attacks on APC supporters in Ede, Adeleke’s hometown, while accusing the state government of failing to adequately address political violence.
The APC candidate further cited comments reportedly made by the Inspector-General of Police during a recent visit to Osun, including allegations concerning individuals accused of criminal activities being housed within the Government House.
Oyebamiji said the APC would continue to seek justice through the courts over incidents of political violence and urged voters to reject what he described as attempts to manipulate public sympathy ahead of the election.
On his agenda if elected, Oyebamiji promised to review outstanding entitlements owed to serving and retired workers within his first 100 days and begin immediate payments.
He also pledged to make the Dagbolu Dry Port fully operational, train and empower at least 10,000 young people in information and communication technology, and institutionalise monthly State Security Council meetings involving security agencies, traditional rulers and local government leaders.
(The Sun)