From Dispatch Room
The Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council has raised alarm over an alleged plot by the Osun State Government to procure arms and ammunition worth about ₦2 billion for political thugs ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In a press statement issued by the Head of Media and Publicity Committee of the campaign council, Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, the APC called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, to investigate the allegations.
The party alleged that Governor Ademola Adeleke, his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, and the Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, Mr. Adekunle Omoyele, were linked to the alleged plan.
According to the campaign council, intelligence available to it suggested that about ₦500 million had allegedly been released as part of funds earmarked for the alleged procurement.
The APC further claimed that the weapons were allegedly to be distributed under the guise of Amotekun operations.
The party said it had previously raised concerns about alleged recruitment of PDP and Accord Party loyalists into the Amotekun Corps by Mr. Omoyele, whom it described as a retired police officer and former Chief Security Officer to Governor Adeleke.
The APC also referenced pending legal matters involving Omoyele and some Amotekun operatives over allegations connected to the Akinlalu incident in Ife North Local Government Area of the state.
The campaign council alleged that its concern was heightened by previous violence during the 2022 governorship election and the 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections, claiming that several APC members were killed by thugs allegedly linked to the ruling party.
It also alleged that some wanted criminal suspects were being sheltered by officials of the Osun State Government, including within Government House, Okefia.
The APC warned that any attempt to arm political thugs ahead of the governorship election could threaten public peace and compromise the credibility of the poll.
According to the statement, democracy should be sustained through persuasion, performance and popular support rather than intimidation, fear or violence.
The campaign council urged Governor Adeleke to seek re-election based on his record in office and the confidence of voters rather than through alleged backdoor tactics or violence.
The Osun State Government has denied similar allegations in a separate statement, describing them as false, irresponsible and politically motivated.
— Newspot Nigeria
