APC, Adeleke Clash Over Notorious Criminals’ Protection

The campaign councils of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Ademola Adeleke in Osun State have exchanged fresh accusations over claims involving the alleged release of convicted criminals and concerns about security ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The dispute began after the APC campaign council accused Governor Adeleke of using the prerogative of mercy to secure the release of convicted and suspected criminals, alleging that the move was aimed at creating unrest before the election.

The Director-General of the APC Campaign Council for Osun Central, Adebayo Adeleke, claimed that several inmates had been released from correctional facilities within the past two months. According to him, some of those released were either serving prison terms or standing trial for serious offences, including murder and sexual abuse.

He further alleged that one of the individuals released had already been linked to fresh violent attacks after regaining freedom. The APC campaign council questioned the circumstances surrounding the releases and called on Governor Adeleke and the state’s Chief Judge to explain why such individuals were allegedly granted freedom so close to the election.

The APC also claimed to have received intelligence suggesting that some of its members had been marked for attacks before the poll. According to the party, the alleged plan involved the use of operatives of the Amotekun Corps to target APC leaders across the state.

The party urged security agencies to closely monitor the situation and prevent any attempt to disrupt the electoral process.

The allegations were, however, rejected by the Imole Campaign Council, which is backing Governor Adeleke.

Deputy Director-General of the council, Kolapo Alimi, described the APC’s claims as false and politically motivated. He maintained that Governor Adeleke had not exercised the constitutional power of mercy in the past two years, insisting that the governor had approved no recent pardon or inmate release.

The council also shifted attention to what it described as harassment of members of the Accord Party by security agencies ahead of the election.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the Imole Campaign Council expressed concern over the continued leadership of the Osun State Police Command under Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan.

The council alleged that several Accord Party officials and supporters had been subjected to unlawful arrests, intimidation and other forms of harassment under the supervision of the police commissioner.

According to the council, CP Gotan was initially transferred to the Force Headquarters after criticism over the detention of the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, and others, but was later returned to Osun State following alleged pressure from the APC.

The statement further claimed that another police commissioner, Samuel Etaifo, had briefly been assigned to the state before the Inspector-General of Police reportedly directed that Gotan should continue as commissioner while Etaifo would only supervise election-related duties.

The Imole Campaign Council urged the Inspector-General of Police to reassure residents that the August 15 governorship election would be conducted peacefully and fairly.

It also appealed to the police leadership to ensure that security personnel remain neutral throughout the electoral process, warning that any form of intimidation or selective enforcement could affect public confidence in the election.

Both campaign councils maintained their positions as political activities continue to gather momentum ahead of the governorship poll.