The African Action Congress (AAC), Osun State Chapter, has expressed concern over what it described as a worsening security situation in the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election, accusing the Osun State Police Command of acting in the interest of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the party's Publicity Secretary, Akinlade Semiu Babatunde, the AAC alleged that Osun was witnessing an increase in political violence, intimidation and insecurity despite the recent visit of the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu.
The party cited Monday's disturbance at the Old Garage area of Osogbo, where it alleged that armed thugs believed to be loyal to the ruling party attempted to seize control of the motor park, causing panic among traders, commercial drivers and residents.
According to the AAC, the incident reflects a broader pattern of political unrest in the state, alleging that cases of political killings, kidnappings, intimidation and attacks on opposition members have continued to occur while those responsible have not been brought to justice.
The opposition party also accused the Osun State Police Command of abandoning its constitutional responsibility of impartial policing. It referenced a viral video which it claimed showed police officers providing protection for suspected political thugs, describing the development as evidence of bias within the command.
The AAC called on the Inspector General of Police to immediately redeploy the Osun State Commissioner of Police, arguing that the police chief had lost public confidence and that his continued stay could threaten peace before the governorship election.
The party further alleged that there were plans by the APC-led Federal Government to create conditions that could lead to the postponement of the election and the appointment of an unelected administrator in the state. It, however, provided no evidence to support the allegation.
Reaffirming its position, the AAC insisted that the governorship election should hold as scheduled on August 15, urging civil society organisations, labour unions, youth groups and the international community to closely monitor political developments in Osun.
The statement concluded with a call for the protection of democratic processes, insisting that voters must be allowed to freely exercise their constitutional right at the polls.
At the time of filing this report, the Osun State Police Command had not issued an official response to the allegations contained in the AAC statement.
