Adeleke's Campaign Urges IG Protection for Accord Party Members in Osun Election

The Imole Campaign Council, representing Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu. The council is calling for immediate security measures to safeguard members and supporters of the Accord Party in the lead-up to Saturday’s governorship election. This urgent appeal, dispatched to the IG on Wednesday, stems from alleged incendiary statements attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who represents the Osun East Senatorial District. These comments were reportedly captured in a video widely circulated across social media platforms.

Although Senator Fadahunsi has denied making the controversial remarks, he was subsequently invited and honoured the invitation from the Osun State Police Command for questioning. Pelumi Olajengbesi, the spokesman for the Imole Campaign Council, signed the petition. He argued that if the alleged comments are verified, they constitute a grave danger to the lives of Accord Party members and their supporters, particularly those residing in Ilesa and other areas within the Osun East Senatorial District.

The petition specifically requested the deployment of sufficient security personnel to ensure the protection of Accord members and their supporters before, during, and after the forthcoming election, with a particular focus on Ilesa and the broader Osun East region. The council emphasized: “Members and supporters of Accord, particularly within Ilesa and other parts of Osun East Senatorial District, are entitled to the protection of the Nigeria Police Force irrespective of their political affiliation.” It further stated, “No Nigerian should have to fear being attacked or killed because of the political party he or she supports. No eligible voter should have to choose between exercising the right to vote and protecting his or her life.”

The campaign council urged the IG to "immediately deploy appropriate security measures for the protection of members and supporters of Accord and other political parties, particularly within Ilesa and Osun East Senatorial District, before, during and after the August 15 Governorship Election.” They also sought guarantees for adequate and impartial police presence at all polling units, collation centres, and other critical electoral locations. This, they noted, is essential to enable voters to cast their ballots free from any form of violence, intimidation, or harassment.

Furthermore, the petition called for legal action should the investigation confirm the allegations. “Where the investigation and authentication of the evidence establish reasonable grounds to suspect the commission of an offence, immediately exercise the lawful powers of the Nigeria Police Force, including the arrest of Senator Francis Ade Fadahunsi and any other person found culpable, and commence or cause the commencement of appropriate criminal proceedings in accordance with law,” the council asserted. The Imole Campaign Council clarified that it was not pre-judging Senator Fadahunsi but stressed that allegations involving threats to life and the integrity of the electoral process demand prompt attention from the police. They concluded by stating, “Political office must never become immunity from investigation.”