Osun APC, Accord clash over billboard destruction

The political landscape in Osun State is becoming increasingly acrimonious as the August 15 governorship election approaches. The ruling Imole Campaign Council, backing Governor Ademola Adeleke, has leveled serious accusations against the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that APC-affiliated thugs, aided by compromised security operatives, are responsible for the destruction of campaign billboards across several local government areas. The council specifically mentioned the vandalism of materials belonging to both Governor Adeleke's campaign and the Accord Party.

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In the early hours of today, billboards belonging to the Imole Campaign and the Accord Party were reportedly vandalised and destroyed across several parts of Osun State, including Irewole, Ayedaade, Irepodun and Osogbo local governments.

These accusations have been vehemently denied by the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council. Oluremi Omowaiye, Head of the APC's Media and Publicity Committee, dismissed the claims as false and a deliberate diversionary tactic. The APC contends that it is, in fact, their candidate's campaign materials that have been subjected to relentless destruction by individuals linked to the Osun State Government and the Accord Party. They suggest the ruling camp is engaging in self-vandalism to attract public sympathy and deflect attention from alleged corruption and poor governance.

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We have it on good authority that this operation was coordinated by a notorious thug, allegedly aided by some compromised security operatives who supervised or looked away while these criminal acts were carried out.

The exchange highlights a worrying trend of political intolerance and potential violence in the lead-up to the election. The Imole Campaign Council has called for a thorough investigation by national security agencies, framing the incidents as a direct threat to democratic engagement. This escalating conflict underscores the deep divisions and high stakes involved in Osun State's gubernatorial race, with both major parties accusing the other of resorting to underhanded tactics to gain an electoral advantage.

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This is not ordinary politics. This is a direct threat to democratic engagement, political freedom and peaceful participation in the electoral process.