By Isaac Mission
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed doubts about the possibility of a peaceful and credible governorship election in Osun State, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of contributing to rising political tension ahead of Saturday’s poll.
The party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, raised the concerns during an interview on ARISE TV on Wednesday, saying the level of security mobilisation across the state had created fears about the conduct of the election.
Abdullahi said the ADC was confident of victory if voters were allowed to freely choose their preferred candidate, but alleged that the political environment had become excessively militarised.
He described the heavy presence and mobilisation of security personnel as unusual, saying some parts of the state appeared to be operating under conditions similar to those in a conflict zone.
The ADC spokesman also criticised Senator Francis Fadahunsi over comments allegedly directing APC supporters to attack members of opposition parties. He dismissed Fadahunsi’s subsequent explanation as unacceptable and accused the APC of attempting to restrict political competition.
Abdullahi further alleged that there were plans to arrest some prominent ADC figures before the election, including former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola. He questioned the motive behind such alleged actions and said they could undermine confidence in the electoral process.
However, the APC rejected the allegation that it was responsible for violence in the state.
The party’s spokesperson, Felix Morka, said the APC condemned all acts of violence and urged security agencies to identify and prosecute anyone involved in attacks or other criminal activities ahead of the election.
Morka maintained that the party had no interest in encouraging violence, stressing that voters should be able to participate in the election without fear or intimidation.
The competing claims come as Osun prepares for Saturday’s governorship election, with heightened political activity and increased security presence across the state.
The ADC has urged authorities to ensure that the election is conducted transparently and without intimidation, while the APC has called for perpetrators of violence to be brought to justice.