The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of withholding key facts from a visiting British Government delegation while making allegations of political violence against opposition figures ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the party was reacting to reports that Adeleke urged the delegation, led by Wale Adebajo, to impose economic sanctions and visa restrictions on certain political figures over their alleged roles in political violence.
The APC questioned the basis of the governor’s allegations, insisting that none of the individuals he mentioned had been convicted or indicted by any court or commission of inquiry.
“If we may ask, which court or commission of inquiry indicted the APC chieftains as being responsible for aiding and abetting political violence in Osun State ahead of the forthcoming governorship election?” the party asked.
The opposition party further alleged that Governor Adeleke failed to inform the delegation about claims that wanted political thugs were being harboured within the Government House.
It also claimed that more than 30 APC members and supporters were killed in the run-up to the 2022 governorship election, adding that some aides of the governor are currently standing trial over the killing of former Irewole Local Government Chairman, Remi Abass.
The APC also cited the recent killing of four of its members in Ilesa, alleging that the attack was carried out by thugs linked to the Accord Party.
The party urged the British delegation to disregard the allegations against its leaders and members, maintaining that there is no judicial finding linking them to political violence.
The exchange follows reports that Governor Adeleke called for sanctions and visa restrictions against several political figures, including Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Osun East Senator Francis Fadahunsi; APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji; and the party’s campaign council Director-General, Wole Oke, over alleged involvement in political violence.
