Osun political violence: Adeleke camp accuses police of selective enforcement

The campaign organisation of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on Tuesday accused the state police command of applying the law selectively amid rising cases of political violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The Imole Campaign Council, through its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, alleged that security agencies had failed to provide equal protection for residents regardless of their political affiliations, warning that perceived bias in law enforcement could threaten the credibility of the electoral process.

Olajengbesi, while condemning recent killings linked to political clashes in the state, called on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to ensure that all citizens are protected and that those behind acts of violence are held accountable.

“The Inspector General of Police and all security agencies must know that every citizen, regardless of political affiliation, must be guaranteed equal protection under the law. There must be no room for selective enforcement or impunity,” he said.

The campaign council also accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of failing to recognise that elections are decided by voters rather than intimidation, insisting that the people of Osun State cannot be forced into making electoral choices through fear or violence.

According to the council, “Elections are won through the confidence of the people and not through violence,” adding that the electorate had become more politically conscious and would determine the state’s future through the ballot.

The allegations come amid heightened tension in Osun following reports of deadly clashes. A 14-year-old boy was recently killed during an incident at the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat, while another resident was reportedly killed in Ile-Ife during a separate political confrontation that left others injured.

The Adeleke camp and the APC, whose governorship candidate is Bola Oyebamiji, have continued to trade accusations over responsibility for the violence, with both sides blaming each other for escalating tensions ahead of the election.