Fresh political tension has emerged in Osun State as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Ademola Adeleke’s campaign council exchanged accusations over the alleged protection and release of suspected criminals ahead of the 15 August 2026 governorship election. The claims and counterclaims have heightened concerns about security and the conduct of the forthcoming poll.
The APC Campaign Council alleged that Governor Adeleke had used his constitutional prerogative of mercy to secure the release of individuals accused or convicted of serious offences, claiming that some of those released had subsequently been involved in violent attacks. The party further alleged that the governor intended to use the individuals to disrupt the governorship election and also accused members of the Accord Party and the state-backed Amotekun Corps of plotting attacks against APC members.
Responding to the allegations, the Imole Campaign Council, representing Governor Adeleke, dismissed the claims as false and politically motivated. The council insisted that the governor had not exercised his prerogative of mercy in the past two years, describing the APC’s accusations as propaganda aimed at influencing public opinion ahead of the election.
The Adeleke campaign also expressed concern over the security environment in the state, calling on the Inspector-General of Police to reassure residents that the governorship election would be peaceful, free and credible. The council alleged that some Accord Party members had been subjected to harassment, arbitrary arrests and intimidation by security agencies, allegations that had not been publicly addressed by the police at the time of reporting.
The exchange underscores the increasingly heated political atmosphere in Osun State as campaigns intensify. Political observers have urged all parties to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and allow security agencies and the electoral commission to discharge their responsibilities impartially. They also called on law enforcement authorities to investigate any allegations of criminality based on credible evidence, irrespective of political affiliation.
As the election approaches, stakeholders continue to emphasise the importance of peaceful campaigns, respect for the rule of law and the protection of voters’ rights to ensure that the outcome reflects the freely expressed will of the people.
