2026: Opposition Parties In Osun Accuse Accord, APC Of Sponsoring Violence
Leadership of some opposition parties in Osun State on Wednesday accused the ruling Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress of being behind the rising spate of violent crimes in the state, as they demanded tougher measures from the police.
The opposition party leaders made the allegations at a security meeting convened by the state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, at the Osun Police Command headquarters on Wednesday, Osogbo.
The meeting had INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner Oluwatoyin Babalola, religious leaders, community leaders, and security agencies in attendance.
Representatives of the Nigerian Army, NDLEA, Nigerian Correctional Service, and Federal Fire Service were also present.
Speaking at the gathering, the chairman of New Nigeria People’s Party, Tosin Odeyemi and Booth Party, who is also the governorship candidate of the party, Adesoji Adeleke,
said the identities of perpetrators of violent crimes in the state and their sponsors were not hidden.
Adeleke, while addressing the gathering, further said, “Police should be allowed to do their responsibility. Everyone knows that the two parties are behind the crises we are having in Osun. The Accord and APC, and their representatives, who are causing the mayhem, are not here at this meeting.
“The police should be alive to their responsibility and protect this state. We all know the sponsors of these crises. Security agents should go after them to stop these killings,” he said.
Earlier in his address, CP Gotan charged political parties and candidates to notify security agencies ahead of any rally, campaign, procession, or political gathering.
“Early notification will enable security agencies to deploy personnel effectively, provide adequate security coverage, manage traffic, prevent clashes, and ensure the safety of participants as well as members of the public. Security agencies can only plan effectively when they are informed in good time,” he said.
Gotan also warned against political thuggery: “We must strongly discourage all forms of thuggery, gangsterism, and the recruitment or sponsorship of political thugs. Violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society. Political leaders should caution their supporters against acts capable of disrupting public peace.”
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
