- Arresting, killing Accord leaders won’t stop Adeleke’s re-election – Campaign Council
By Ismail Azeez
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has openly alerted President Bola Tinubu to the alleged systematic repression, killings, and incarceration of Osun residents, warning that the people of Osun State will resist any attempt to rig or manipulate the upcoming August 15 polls.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Osogbo, the governor informed the President that over the last three months, Accord members have lost seven of their colleagues, while more than 20 have suffered gunshot wounds and over 60 remain languishing in illegal police detention.
“I want to inform Mr. President that my people are being killed on a daily basis. Elements within the police force are aiding APC thugs in killing our people. Mr. President, Osun is bleeding, and your urgent intervention is necessary.”
“Those pushing to rig the Osun election have forgotten history. I urge Mr. President to protect this democracy. We seek nothing but free and fair elections.”
“The shedding of innocent blood must stop. Osun APC members are dropping Mr. President’s name to kill and maim the people of Osun. His name is being dragged in the mud.”
“I appeal to Mr. President to call the Marine Minister, Gboyega Oyetola, and Senator Francis Fadahunsi to order. The killing and maiming of our people pose a grave threat to democracy.”
“The Osun election is attracting national and international attention. Several embassies are compiling reports on human rights abuses, while local and international rights groups are focusing heavily on the deliberate violence being unleashed on Osun residents.”
“Mr. President should act as the father of the nation. We have endorsed your re-election and demonstrated our love for you. Instead of killing our people, now is the time for stakeholders to show love to the people of Osun.”
“Osun people will not bow to threats and intimidation. They want their votes to count and will insist that they do. The people of Osun will resist any attempt to deny them the freedom to choose their leader,” the governor told a cheering crowd.
Similarly, leaders of Accord at a rally held in Osogbo warned Osun APC leaders that arresting and killing Accord members would not stop Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election on August 15.
At the heavily attended rally with Governor Adeleke in attendance, the Director-General of the Imole Campaign, Senator Lere Oyewumi, said the APC, in collusion with the police, has started arresting Accord leaders.
He warned that gunfire from Ilesa to Ila would not stop Governor Adeleke.
“Osun people are resolved to vote and defend their votes. The voters’ support for Governor Adeleke is a result of his strong performance. Killing innocent people only strengthens the resolve of the electorate to re-elect the governor,” Senator Oyewumi affirmed.
Also commenting on the situation, the Deputy Director-General of the campaign, Hon. Kolapo Alimi, reported that several Accord leaders were arrested the previous night and had their properties vandalized.
“We heard the arrests will continue tonight. Arresting us will not change the widespread acceptance of Accord. We will not be intimidated,” Alimi declared.