Osun Poll: Adeleke, APC clash over police interference, voting disruption plot allegations

The governorship election in Osun State on August 15 has become a focal point for allegations of police interference and voting disruption, with both the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress (APC) clashing in their statements. The Imole Campaign Council, supporting Adeleke's re-election bid, has accused the APC of attempting to manipulate security and electoral institutions.

The council cited incidents of intimidation and harassment of political opponents by the APC, alleging that at least six of its members have been killed and several others injured during political violence. They also claimed that over 60 members of the Accord Party were arrested without justification, suggesting that security personnel were treating APC members involved in alleged violence more leniently.

TICC, the campaign council, urged the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to ensure fair and neutral policing before the election. Separately, TICC alleged that the APC was pressuring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to halt voting by 12pm in selected local government areas, claiming these areas were Adeleke's political strongholds.

The APC dismissed these allegations, accusing Adeleke and the Accord Party of trying to blackmail the police through a planned protest by vulnerable women, some of whom were instructed to protest half-naked. The APC maintained that the police were investigating individuals suspected of electoral violence and called on security agencies to remain professional ahead of the election.