A former Caretaker Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Osun State, Dr Akindele Adekunle, has raised alarm over an alleged plan to disrupt Saturday’s local government election using hoodlums disguised as police officers.In a statement issued on Thursday, Akindele claimed that individuals imported from other states were being housed by top members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and would be deployed under the cover of a tactical police squad to unleash violence.
The statement said, “Credible intelligence at our disposal points to the fact that hoodlums brought into Osun State are being clothed in police uniform to perpetrate violence on the people in a bid to stop the local government election billed for Saturday.”
He further alleged that those individuals were being accommodated in locations across major towns, including Iragbiji, Ikire, Osogbo, Ila-Orangun, Iwo, Ilesa, and Ile-Ife.
According to him, the aim was to instill fear among PDP leaders and electoral officials.
Akindele also accused the police of complicity, suggesting that the tactical squad deployed from Abuja was 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.
The PDP leader warned that the names of party leaders had been compiled for arbitrary arrests or possible assassination.
He also urged voters to resist intimidation and come out to exercise their constitutional rights.
Responding, the Osun State chapter of the APC dismissed Akindele’s allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
The party, through its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, called for the arrest of Akindele over what it described as false accusations and fear-mongering.
“The Ondo-State-born political alarmist is afraid of his own shadow. The said Saturday election is an impossible utopia based on its illegality.
“Akindele should be a resourceful witness for police investigation and prosecution regarding his unsubstantiated claims,” he said.
The APC maintained that there was no need for violence, as the local government election was already voided by a recent Court of Appeal ruling.
The party argued that there were no vacancies in local government councils, making any election attempt an aberration and impossibility.
“A situation where all manner of political functionaries are issuing press statements is a pointer to the fact that Governor Adeleke’s government is a monumental failure,” Olabisi remarked.
The party also expressed concerns over reports that the government had compiled a list of APC social media activists for alleged persecution.
“We are watching and cautioning Governor Adeleke that nothing untoward should happen to our diligent social media men,” the APC warned.
As tensions rise, security agencies are yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
The Osun State Police Command has not confirmed or denied the presence of tactical units from Abuja.
With the election scheduled for Saturday (tomorrow), residents remain on edge, awaiting further clarification from authorities on security measures being taken to ensure a peaceful exercise.