Osun 2026: Adeleke’s campaign organisation petitions human rights commission, seeks release of detained supporters

The campaign organization for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has formally petitioned Nigeria's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The 'Imole Campaign Council' is demanding the unconditional release of the governor's supporters, who they allege have been unlawfully arrested and detained by the police. This action comes as the state braces for the August 15 off-cycle governorship election.

Pelumi Olajengbesi, the campaign spokesperson, stated after submitting the petition in Abuja that the Osun State police are intimidating the governor's supporters. He accused the police of unjustified arrests and detentions, urging the NHRC to intervene and ensure justice for those affected. Olajengbesi specifically cited the case of Popoola Alabama, a governor's supporter currently in police custody in Ilesa.

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We have come to the National Human Rights Commission to place before the commission the reckless abuse of human rights that is happening currently in Osun State just because elections are approaching.

According to Olajengbesi, efforts to secure Mr. Alabama's release have been unsuccessful. The police claim he is being held for armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms, but Olajengbesi challenged this, stating that no evidence was found on Mr. Alabama during his arrest while campaigning. "You cannot arrest an innocent citizen, obtain a detention order and keep him in custody without any evidence or explanation," he asserted, demanding the police produce any firearms allegedly recovered.

The petition follows a similar letter sent to President Bola Tinubu last week, complaining about the intimidation of supporters. Political rivalry in Osun State has intensified, marked by violent clashes. Recently, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, reportedly aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC), took over motor parks, leading to confrontations with state government-installed officials. The police also recently raided the residence of the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, arresting him and five others over alleged vote-buying, reportedly recovering cash and other items.

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You cannot arrest an innocent citizen, obtain a detention order and keep him in custody without any evidence or explanation.