Osun APC, Accord Trade Accusations Over Disturbances in Owode-Ede

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party in Osun State have exchanged accusations over recent disturbances in Owode-Ede community, with both parties calling on security agencies to investigate the incidents and ensure public safety.

The Osun APC urged the police to declare Owode-Ede, located in Ede North Local Government Area, a political flashpoint, alleging that its members and supporters had been subjected to attacks and intimidation by political thugs allegedly affiliated with the Accord Party.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC claimed that violent activities by alleged Accord supporters had resulted in assaults on residents and damage to vehicles belonging to party members.

The party argued that security agencies should act swiftly to prevent any further breakdown of law and order in the area.

According to the APC, “Owode-Ede has become a meeting point for political hoodlums who allegedly harass opposition supporters travelling through the area. Branded caps and vehicles associated with the APC had been forcefully removed or damaged by suspected political thugs operating around the Owode-Ede Market junction.

“It would be a dereliction of duty for the police and other statutory security services to leave innocent members of the public at the mercy of these political hoodlums who operate unhindered daily. Authorities should discourage the needless convergence of political thugs in the community.”

The APC also linked the recent crisis to the alleged blockade of its members and supporters at the Owode-Ede Market junction, arguing that freedom of movement is a constitutional right that must be protected.

However, the Accord Party rejected the allegations, accusing the APC of politicising security issues and attempting to assign blame before investigations had been concluded.

In a statement signed by its Osun State Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, the party described the APC’s allegations as “replete with conjectures, assumptions and politically motivated accusations against Governor Ademola Adeleke and residents of Ede.”

“While every responsible citizen condemns violence in all its forms, it is alarming that the APC has once again chosen the path of political propaganda rather than allowing security agencies to professionally establish the facts surrounding recent events,” the statement added.

Akande further alleged that video clips circulating publicly showed vehicles branded in AMBO colours with persons allegedly linked to the APC, adding that there were claims connecting some actors involved in the disturbances to opposition elements.

“We call on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the incidents, identify all those involved regardless of political affiliation and ensure justice is served without fear or favour.

“We also urge security agencies to investigate alleged hideouts of political thugs associated with the APC,” he said.

The latest exchange followed earlier allegations by the Accord Party that political thugs in APC-branded vehicles opened fire on residents and party members in Owode-Ede, Aregbe, Olaiya and other parts of Osun State.

The APC denied involvement and called on the Osun State Police Command to arrest those responsible for the disturbances.

As the August 15 governorship election draws near, stakeholders have urged politicians and political parties to maintain peace and security in Owode-Ede and across the state.

They also called on political actors to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and allow security agencies to determine responsibility for the incidents.