Jelili Gbadamosi
The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) has raised concerns over alleged threats of violence ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State, urging security agencies to strengthen their presence across Ijeshaland.
The council alleged that Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, made statements threatening members and supporters of the Accord in a video currently trending online.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, TICC said the alleged remarks, which it attributed to Fadahunsi, could heighten tensions and expose voters and political supporters to danger during the election.
The council alleged that the senator called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to attack Accord supporters wherever they were found in Ijeshaland.
TICC said the alleged comments were particularly disturbing in view of what it described as reports of the movement of suspected thugs, hoodlums and individuals allegedly impersonating police officers into Ilase, Fadahunsi’s hometown, and other communities in Obokun, Oriade, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Atakumosa East and Atakumosa West Local Government Areas.
The council also alleged that Fadahunsi referred to “federal might” while threatening that Accord supporters could be prevented from voting even if they presented their Permanent Voter Cards at polling units.
Describing the alleged statements as capable of undermining the credibility and peaceful conduct of the election, TICC called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to investigate the matter and take appropriate legal action.
The council further urged security agencies deployed for the election to pay special attention to the six local government areas in Ijeshaland to protect voters, political supporters and other residents.
It also called for an investigation into allegations that armed thugs and fake police officers had been quartered in Ilase and other parts of Ijeshaland.
TICC raised additional allegations concerning the activities of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), claiming that an aide to Fadahunsi, identified as ASP Wemimo, had led IRT personnel to the residences of Accord leaders in the area.
The council further alleged that its House of Representatives candidate, Alaba Popoola, who it claimed was abducted by the team on Fadahunsi’s instructions, remained in police custody.
TICC said it would hold Fadahunsi responsible for any violence allegedly perpetrated against Accord members in Ijeshaland and other parts of the state.
The council, however, urged residents to remain calm and peaceful while exercising their constitutional right to vote during Saturday’s governorship election.
