APC demands probe as woman dies during Osun Accord Party primary

The Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council is demanding a thorough investigation into the death of Taliat Simbiat, who died during the Accord Party's primary election for the Ayedire/Iwo/Olaoluwa Federal Constituency in Iwo. The APC alleges that the Accord Party primaries were marred by violence and destruction, leading to injuries among party members and citizens, and resulting in Simbiat's death.

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According to reports available to us, several members of the Accord Party and innocent citizens have suffered varying degrees of injuries, while lives have reportedly been lost as a result of the violence that accompanied the exercise.

Remi Omowaiye, Head of the APC's Media and Publicity Committee, stated that reports from across the state depict a disturbing scene of chaos and bloodshed. He emphasized that internal party primaries should be a celebration of democracy, allowing members to freely choose their representatives. "According to reports available to us, several members of the Accord Party and innocent citizens have suffered varying degrees of injuries, while lives have reportedly been lost as a result of the violence that accompanied the exercise," Omowaiye said.

Omowaiye specifically mentioned Taliat of Ward 3, Iwo, who he said "lost her life during the violence, while no fewer than 30 persons reportedly sustained serious injuries in the local government." The APC Campaign Council urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies to identify, apprehend, and prosecute all individuals responsible for Simbiat's death and the injuries sustained by others. They stressed that no one, regardless of political affiliation, should be above justice.

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Mrs Taliat Simbiat’s sudden passing has left a deep pain in my heart that words cannot adequately convey. The deceased was more than a party faithful but one of our administration’s biggest promoters in Iwo and environs.

In response, Governor Ademola Adeleke, through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, extended his condolences to Simbiat's family, stating that she had slumped and died during the primaries. The governor expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a "supporter and a committed party faithful," describing her as one of the administration's key promoters in Iwo. Adeleke reiterated his intolerance for political violence and commended the Accord Party members for conducting a peaceful primary. He rejected the APC's allegations of shielding thugs, asserting that his political style emphasizes peace and that he has no tolerance for criminals.

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He must not play ostrich this time around. No individual, regardless of political affiliation or status, should be shielded from justice.