Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
As political activities intensify ahead of the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, a fresh controversy has emerged following allegations by Governor Ademola Adeleke’s campaign council that security agencies are planning a crackdown on opposition supporters. The Nigeria Police Force has, however, firmly denied the allegations, describing them as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary tension.
The development has heightened political anxiety in Osun, where preparations for the election have entered a crucial stage. While the Adeleke Campaign Council insists it has credible intelligence indicating that dozens of its supporters are being targeted for arrest, the police have maintained that no such operation exists and reassured residents that security agencies remain committed to conducting a peaceful and impartial election.
Adeleke Campaign Raises Alarm
In a statement issued by the Adeleke Campaign Council, the governor’s political team alleged that there were plans to arrest at least 46 individuals identified as supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the days leading to the election.
According to the campaign, the alleged operation was intended to intimidate party members, weaken grassroots mobilisation and create an atmosphere of fear before voters head to the polls.
The council urged the Inspector-General of Police and other security authorities to investigate the alleged plot, warning against the use of security agencies for political purposes.
Campaign officials also appealed to civil society organisations, election observers and the international community to closely monitor developments in Osun State, arguing that transparency and accountability are essential for ensuring a credible electoral process.
The council maintained that every eligible voter and political supporter should be allowed to participate freely in democratic activities without intimidation or harassment.
Police Dismiss Allegations
Responding to the claims, the Nigeria Police Force dismissed the allegations as baseless.
Police authorities stated that no list of targeted individuals exists and that there are no directives authorising politically motivated arrests in Osun State.
According to the police, security deployments ahead of the election are solely aimed at protecting lives and property, preventing violence and ensuring that voters can exercise their democratic rights in a peaceful environment.
The Force urged political actors to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of generating panic among residents.
Police officials further emphasised that officers deployed for election duties have been instructed to remain neutral and professional throughout the electoral process.
They reiterated that anyone arrested during the election period would only be apprehended for committing criminal offences or violating electoral laws, and not because of political affiliation.
Election Security Remains Priority
Security agencies traditionally increase deployments during major elections across Nigeria to deter violence, protect electoral materials and safeguard officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Authorities have repeatedly stressed that the objective is to create a secure environment where citizens can vote without fear.
Election observers have consistently advised political parties to avoid inflammatory rhetoric capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
Analysts note that allegations involving security agencies often surface during highly competitive elections, making transparent communication between authorities and political stakeholders especially important.
Calls for Peaceful Campaign
Political leaders and civil society organisations have urged all parties contesting the Osun election to conduct peaceful campaigns and avoid actions that could incite violence.
They stressed that disputes relating to election preparations should be addressed through lawful institutions rather than public confrontation capable of escalating tensions.
Observers also encouraged supporters of all political parties to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified reports on social media.
According to governance experts, maintaining public trust in security institutions is critical to ensuring voter confidence and preserving the integrity of the electoral process.
Importance of Credible Elections
The forthcoming Osun governorship election is expected to attract nationwide attention because of the state’s strategic political significance.
Electoral experts argue that public confidence depends not only on the conduct of political parties but also on the perceived neutrality of security agencies and electoral institutions.
They note that allegations of intimidation—whether substantiated or not—underscore the importance of transparent communication from security agencies and prompt clarification whenever concerns arise.
INEC has continued to assure political parties and voters that preparations for the election are progressing in line with established guidelines and that all accredited observers will be allowed to monitor the process.
Looking Ahead
As election day approaches, attention will remain focused on the conduct of political actors, security agencies and electoral officials.
While the Adeleke Campaign Council insists its concerns should not be ignored, the Nigeria Police Force maintains that there is no planned crackdown against any political group.
Residents and stakeholders will be watching closely to ensure that the election is conducted peacefully, fairly and in accordance with Nigeria’s electoral laws, with all parties expected to resolve disputes through legal and democratic channels.
Sources: The Punch, Vanguard, Premium Times, The Nation, Nigeria Police Force.
