The All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Accord Party in Osun State have exchanged accusations over recent disturbances in Owode-Ede community, with both parties calling on security agencies to investigate the incidents and ensure public safety in the community.
The Osun APC urged the police to declare Owode-Ede, located in Ede North Local Government Area, a political flashpoint, alleging that members and supporters of the party had been subjected to attacks and intimidation by political thugs allegedly affiliated with the Accord Party.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC claimed that violent activities by alleged Accord supporters had resulted in assaults on residents and damage to vehicles belonging to party members.
The party argued that the police should act swiftly to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
According to the APC, “Owode-Ede has become a meeting point for political hoodlums who allegedly harass opposition supporters travelling through the area. Branded caps and vehicles associated with the APC had been forcefully removed or damaged by suspected political thugs operating around the Owode-Ede Market junction.
“It would be a dereliction of duty for the police and other statutory security services to leave innocent members of the public at the mercy of these political hoodlums who operate unhindered daily. Authorities should discourage the needless convergence of political thugs in the community.”
The APC also linked the recent crisis to the blockade of its members and supporters at the Owode-Ede Market junction, arguing that freedom of movement is a constitutional right that should be protected by security agencies.
However, Accord rejected the allegations, accusing the Osun APC of politicising security issues and attempting to blame others before investigations had been concluded.
In a statement signed by its Osun State Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, Accord said the APC’s allegations were “replete with conjectures, assumptions and politically motivated accusations against Governor Ademola Adeleke and residents of Ede”.
“While every responsible citizen condemns violence in all its forms, it is alarming that the APC has once again chosen the path of political propaganda rather than allowing security agencies to professionally establish the facts surrounding recent events,” it added.
The Accord chairman alleged that video clips circulating publicly showed vehicles branded in AMBO colours with persons allegedly linked to APC, adding that there were credible claims connecting some actors involved in the disturbances to political elements within the opposition party.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the incidents, identify all those involved regardless of political affiliation and ensure justice is served without fear or favour.
“We also urge security agencies to investigate alleged hideouts of political thugs associated with the APC,” it demanded.
The recent disagreement between the political parties follows allegations by the Accord that political thugs in APC branded vehicles opened fire on residents and their members in Owode-Ede, Aregbe, Olaiya and other parts of Osun State.
The APC denied involvement and called on the Osun State Police Command to arrest alleged Accord thugs.
As the August 15 governorship election in the state draws near, concerned stakeholders have insisted that politicians and political parties maintain and prioritise peace and security in Owode-Ede.
They also urged politicians to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric while allowing law enforcement agencies to determine responsibility for the disturbances.
