● Osun Poll: Oyebamiji Raises Alarm Over Political Violence During Meeting With British Delegation.

● Osun Poll: APC Raises Fresh Alarm Over Security, Political Killings

Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for governor of Osun State, has expressed worries about security and purported political violence in the state ahead of the August 15 election, calling on the international community to pay attention to the current state of affairs.

As part of the British High Commission's continuous engagement with important stakeholders prior to the election, Oyebamiji said on Tuesday while welcoming a delegation headed by Senior Political Advisor Mr. Wale Adedapo.

The visit was part of their pre-election evaluation, according to British officials, who also mentioned that they had met with civil society organizations, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Osun State Commissioner of Police, and other relevant parties. They claim that the purpose of the meetings is to evaluate security challenges, election readiness, and other matters that will be included in a report to the British High Commission.

Addressing the delegation, Oyebamiji commended the British High Commission for strengthening diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, particularly in the areas of governance, trade,  education, healthcare, security and economic development.

The APC standard bearer reiterated his party’s commitment to peaceful democratic participation but alleged that its members had been victims of politically motivated attacks across the state.

According to him, several APC members were killed in separate incidents between 2022 and 2026 in communities including Ikire, Ilesa, Iwo, Osogbo and Ede, alleging that those responsible had not been brought to justice despite reports made to security agencies.

Oyebamiji also recalled the killing of the Chairman of Irewole Local  Government, Hon. Remi Abass, describing the incident as unfortunate and calling for those behind the attack to be prosecuted.

While expressing confidence in the professionalism of the nation’s security agencies, he urged them to carry out thorough and impartial investigations into all reported cases of political violence. He also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the conduct of a free, fair and credible governorship election.

Earlier, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Adebayo Adeleke, popularly known as Banik, alleged that the APC had lost more than 20 members to political violence since 2022.

He claimed that some of the attacks were perpetrated by supporters and appointees of the state  government, while alleging that police commissioners posted to Osun State often faced pressure whenever they carried out their duties independently.

Banik further alleged that suspects linked to the killing of Hon. Remi Abass, including a wanted aide to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Mr Jide Jooda, had yet to be arrested or prosecuted.

He also accused the Osun State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, of being used to intimidate political opponents instead of protecting residents, alleging that the current administration had failed to guarantee the safety of lives and property.

The APC chieftain emphasized that accountability is crucial to ensuring a peaceful and legitimate gubernatorial election in the state and urged security services to make sure that everyone accountable for the alleged killings is brought to justice.

Reaffirming the party’s commitment to peaceful participation, Oyebamiji said APC members had been directed to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies despite the prevailing security concerns.

He said, “As we approach Election Day, we reaffirm our commitment to conducting our campaign peacefully and responsibly while encouraging all political actors to place the interest of democracy and the people of Osun State above every other consideration.”

He also thanked the British High Commission for its continued interest in supporting credible democratic processes in Nigeria, while the allegations raised by the APC remain claims by the party and have not been independently verified or adjudicated by a court.