Osun Governorship Poll: APC, Imole Campaign Council Trade Accusations Over Fatal Incidents

Political tensions in Osun State escalated on Wednesday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Imole Campaign Council exchanged accusations following separate incidents that claimed lives and left several people injured ahead of the state governorship election.

The development followed the death of an Accord Party member, Ajayi Aderogba, popularly known as Rogba, in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area on Tuesday, and a separate road accident involving APC supporters travelling to a political rally in Ede on Wednesday.

A member of the House of Representatives and Director-General of the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council, Oluwole Oke, denied allegations linking him and the APC to the killing of Aderogba during preparations for a political event held in support of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s second-term bid.

The allegation was initially made by the spokesperson of the Adeleke Campaign Organisation and Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, who claimed that Oke had attempted to frustrate the political programme in Esa-Oke and was connected to the incident that led to Aderogba’s death.

Reacting through his media aide, Tunde Omolebi-Sunday, Oke described the allegations as false, premature and lacking credible evidence, insisting that neither he nor the APC had any involvement in the killing.

“Such conclusions, made without any credible investigation or report from security agencies, are not only premature but deeply irresponsible. Oke and the APC had no connection whatsoever to the death,” the statement said.

The lawmaker also sympathised with the family of the deceased and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Meanwhile, the Imole Campaign Council issued a separate statement mourning APC supporters involved in a road accident while travelling to a rally in Ede, describing the incident as tragic and extending condolences to the bereaved families and injured victims.

The council said it was “profoundly saddened” by reports that a truck allegedly suffered brake failure and rammed into a procession of APC supporters, resulting in one death and leaving several others injured.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family of the departed and everyone touched by the loss. The council wishes those injured a speedy recovery and prays against a recurrence of such incidents,” the statement read.

However, the council criticised the APC campaign organisation, alleging that party leaders continued political activities despite the loss of lives.

The Imole Campaign Council also referenced previous allegations made against Oke concerning the death of the Accord Party member in Esa-Oke, further heightening the political exchanges between both camps ahead of the election.