By Peace Erewunmi

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of withholding critical information from a visiting British Government delegation during discussions on political violence ahead of the state’s forthcoming governorship election. The opposition party described the governor’s presentation as selective and misleading.

The allegation followed Governor Adeleke’s meeting with the British delegation, during which he reportedly called for visa restrictions and economic sanctions against some opposition politicians whom he accused of sponsoring political violence in Osun State. The governor urged the international community to support efforts aimed at ensuring peaceful elections.

In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC argued that Governor Adeleke failed to inform the delegation about incidents in which members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had also allegedly been involved in acts of political violence. The party maintained that presenting only allegations against opposition figures created an incomplete picture of the security situation in the state.

The APC questioned whether any court of law or commission of inquiry had found the opposition politicians mentioned by the governor guilty of sponsoring violence. It insisted that allegations should be investigated and proven through due legal processes rather than forming the basis for international sanctions.

The opposition party further alleged that the Adeleke administration bears responsibility for some of the political tensions currently being experienced in Osun State. It called on security agencies to remain impartial and ensure that all individuals involved in election-related violence, regardless of political affiliation, are investigated and prosecuted according to the law.

Governor Adeleke has consistently maintained that his administration has zero tolerance for political violence. During his meeting with the British delegation, he appealed for stronger measures against politicians and security personnel found to be encouraging or enabling violence ahead of the governorship election.

The exchange reflects the increasingly heated political atmosphere in Osun State as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the August 15 governorship election. Observers have urged all parties to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and work with security agencies to ensure that the election is conducted peacefully and credibly.