Political tension increased in Osun State after supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke and members of the All Progressives Congress exchanged accusations over the destruction of campaign billboards in different parts of the state.
The Imole Campaign Council, which is leading Adeleke’s re-election campaign for the August 15 governorship election, accused persons linked to the APC of vandalising campaign materials belonging to the governor’s political camp and the Accord Party. The group claimed the incidents happened in Irewole, Ayedaade, Irepodun and Osogbo local government areas.
According to the council, hoodlums allegedly carried out the attacks with the support or protection of some security operatives. The group described the development as an attempt to create fear and tension in the state ahead of the election period.
The campaign organisation also called on security agencies, including the Inspector General of Police, to investigate the incidents and identify those responsible. It warned that political violence and intimidation could affect peaceful participation in the electoral process if not properly addressed.
The group further claimed that the attacks were connected to growing support for Governor Adeleke across the state and appealed to election observers and civil society organisations to pay attention to political activities in Osun.
In response, the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council rejected the allegations and described them as false. The opposition party insisted that its own campaign materials and billboards belonging to its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, had also been destroyed in several areas.
The APC campaign council accused the state government and political supporters linked to the ruling camp of trying to shift attention away from issues surrounding governance in the state. The party also alleged that the accusations were part of efforts to gain public sympathy ahead of the election.
The exchange of accusations comes as political campaigns continue to gather momentum in Osun State ahead of the governorship contest scheduled for August.
Both parties have continued to trade claims while residents watch developments closely as preparations for the election move forward.