A Storm Brewing in Osun State
As Osun State prepares for its local government elections on Saturday, February 22, 2025, tensions are reaching a boiling point. Dr. Akindele Adekunle, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has sounded the alarm over an alleged plot to disrupt the polls. According to Adekunle, hoodlums imported from other states are being disguised as police officers to unleash violence and intimidate voters.
This shocking revelation has thrown the state into a frenzy, with residents and political stakeholders anxiously awaiting clarity on the security measures in place.
The Allegations: Hoodlums in Police Uniform
In a statement released on Thursday, Adekunle claimed that top members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are housing these hoodlums in key towns across Osun State, including Osogbo, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, and Iragbiji. He warned that these individuals, dressed in police uniforms, are poised to cause chaos and prevent the election from holding peacefully.
Adekunle didn’t stop there. He also accused the police of complicity, suggesting that a tactical squad deployed from Abuja is not in Osun for peacekeeping but to provide cover for political violence. “It is quite disturbing to note that the police are aiding this brazen threat to peace and safety,” he stated.
PDP’s Call to Action
The PDP leader urged voters to resist intimidation and come out en masse to exercise their constitutional rights. He also raised concerns about a compiled list of PDP leaders targeted for arbitrary arrests or even assassination. “Credible intelligence at our disposal points to a clear and present danger,” Adekunle emphasized.
APC Fires Back: ‘Baseless Allegations’
Not one to take accusations lying down, the Osun State chapter of the APC swiftly dismissed Adekunle’s claims as baseless and politically motivated. Kola Olabisi, the party’s Director of Media and Information, called for Adekunle’s arrest, describing his statements as fear-mongering and false.
Olabisi also argued that the local government election is already voided by a recent Court of Appeal ruling, making any attempt to hold the polls an “aberration and impossibility.” He accused the PDP-led state government of compiling a list of APC social media activists for persecution, warning Governor Ademola Adeleke against any untoward actions.
Security Concerns: Will the Election Hold?
With the election just hours away, the atmosphere in Osun State is tense. Security agencies have yet to issue an official response to the allegations, leaving residents in a state of uncertainty. The Osun State Police Command has neither confirmed nor denied the presence of tactical units from Abuja, further fueling speculation and anxiety.
Why This Matters
The allegations and counter-allegations between the PDP and APC highlight the deep political divisions in Osun State. If Adekunle’s claims are true, the integrity of the local government elections could be severely compromised, leading to potential violence and unrest.
On the other hand, the APC’s insistence that the election is illegal adds another layer of complexity to the situation. As the clock ticks down to Saturday, all eyes are on Osun State to see how this high-stakes political drama unfolds.
