2026: Osun APC, SUBEB Boss Trade Words Over Arms Procurement Allegations
The opposition All Progressives Congress in Osun State and the chairman of the Osun State Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr Ibukun Fadipe, have traded words over allegations of plot to rig the August 15 governorship election through the use of political hoodlums.
The APC, through a statement by its Director of Media, Kola Olabisi, alleged that the SUBEB boss empowered about thirty suspected hoodlums and cult members with cash ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1,000,000 each to procure arms and ammunition ahead of the election.
The party called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to urgently invite Fadipe for questioning.
“Information available to our party indicates that Fadipe last week, convened a secret meeting where about thirty suspected hoodlums and cult members were allegedly empowered with cash ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1,000,000 each to procure arms and ammunition ahead of the election,” the APC alleged.
The statement said the group of hoodlums are allegedly coordinated by some people, including the member representing Ilesa West State Constituency, Hon Wale Akerele.
But the SUBEB chairman, in a reaction through his media aide, Alesinloye Kamoru, described the allegations as unfounded and an attempt to tarnish his image.
The statement said Fadipe has never been involved in election rigging, nor has he ever sponsored violence or political thuggery.
He said, “The attempt by the Osun APC to associate him with any form of electoral malpractice, violence or criminal conspiracy is nothing but a calculated effort to tarnish the reputation of a man whose political influence and grassroots acceptance continue to grow across the state.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Hon. IBK has never been involved in election rigging, nor has he ever sponsored violence or political thuggery. His political philosophy has consistently revolved around empowerment, social development and inclusive leadership.
“The allegation that Hon. IBK convened any meeting to arm thugs ahead of the forthcoming election is entirely fictitious and exists only in the imagination of those who have chosen propaganda over responsible political engagement.”
Fadipe threatened to sue the APC spokesperson if he fails to prove his allegations, adding that, “Mr Kola Olabisi must also understand that failure to substantiate such grave allegations exposes him and his collaborators to legal consequences for libel, as no individual or political party has the right to recklessly malign the reputation of another citizen for partisan gain.
“It is equally important to address the mischievous misrepresentation of Hon. IBK’s empowerment initiatives.”
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.
