The Osun State chapter of the APC has dismissed allegations connecting the party, its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and former governor Adegboyega Oyetola to acts of violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In a statement issued by Kola Olabisi, the party described the claims as false and politically motivated. According to the APC, the allegations were designed to create a negative impression about the party as political campaigns gather momentum across the state.
The party denied reports that it was involved in attacks against political opponents or that vehicles were being branded with Accord Party symbols to create tension in the state. It maintained that such claims were fabricated by rivals seeking to gain political advantage before the election.
The APC stated that its leaders and supporters had repeatedly been blamed for incidents that occurred during political activities despite having no involvement in them. The party insisted that its governorship candidate remained focused on reaching voters through lawful political campaigns and grassroots engagement.
According to the party, Oyebamiji is concentrating on presenting his programmes to the electorate and has no reason to engage in actions capable of disrupting the peace of the state. The APC said it remains confident about its chances in the election and believes its campaign efforts have placed it in a strong position ahead of the poll.
The opposition party also argued that some of the accusations were intended to divert public attention from challenges facing its political opponents. It claimed that attempts were being made to attract sympathy by portraying the APC as responsible for growing political tensions.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful political activities, the party said violence has never been part of its strategy and would not become one. It urged residents of Osun State to remain alert and conduct themselves peacefully throughout the election season.
The APC’s response followed allegations made by lawmakers of the Accord Party during a press briefing on Friday. The lawmakers called for the redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, over claims of partisanship. They also accused the APC of contributing to rising political tension ahead of the governorship election.
As political activities continue across Osun State, both major parties have continued to trade accusations while preparations for the August 15 governorship election gather pace.