The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of deliberately playing the victim over political violence in the state in a bid to gain public sympathy ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Speaking with senior journalists in Lagos, Oyebamiji dismissed repeated claims by the governor and the Accord Party that they were the primary targets of attacks. He insisted that the APC and its members remain the real victims of persistent political violence in Osun.
“The truth is that we are the victims; the governor is just playing victim to curry sympathy. In his mind, he knows the truth,” Oyebamiji stated.
He alleged that more than 25 APC members were murdered during the 2022 governorship election and that the party has continued to document cases of politically motivated attacks and killings since 2023. Among the incidents he cited was the killing of the former Chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, Remi Abass, within the council secretariat.
Oyebamiji also referenced recent reports of attacks on APC supporters in Ede, the hometown of Governor Adeleke, describing them as part of a pattern of hostility against opposition members.
“As an opposition party, these are some of the experiences of members of our party. Ironically, it is the Accord Party and the government of Adeleke that are crying foul while our members bear the scars of political violence,” he added.
The APC candidate called on the people of Osun and Nigerians at large to recognise the true picture of the situation and urged security agencies to act impartially in ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.
Oyebamiji reaffirmed his commitment to a peaceful campaign and appealed to all stakeholders to prioritise the safety of citizens over political advantage as the state prepares for the August 15 poll.