The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has challenged Governor Seyi Makinde and the Allied People’s Movement (APM) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, to allow security agencies to investigate alleged attacks on opposition figures and bring those responsible to justice.
The organisation’s reaction followed a statement by the Adekanmbi Campaign Organisation accusing SSACO and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State of blaming APM supporters for the killing of an APC member, Ridwan Adeyemi, and attacks on opposition figures in Ibadan.
Those reportedly attacked on October 7 included Mrs Tawakalit Alli, wife of APC governorship candidate Senator Sharafadeen Alli; Hon. Remi Oseni; and Hon. Folake Olunloyo-Oshinowo.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, SSACO dismissed the Adekanmbi campaign organisation’s criticism of its warnings over political violence, insisting that raising concerns about attacks on opposition members would not undermine security agencies’ investigations.
The organisation accused the APM in Oyo State of attempting to deflect attention from the allegations rather than prevail on its members to maintain peace.
It said the campaign organisation had previously alleged that APC members were attacking their own candidates and supporters, adding that it had now questioned the evidence linking APM members to the reported incidents.
SSACO urged Makinde and Adekanmbi to allow security agencies to identify and prosecute anyone found responsible for the alleged attacks, rather than faulting the opposition for raising concerns.
“The hoodlums are visiting violence on innocent people because they are emboldened by their leaders and paymasters,” the statement alleged.
The organisation stressed that no resident should be attacked or killed because of political affiliation or choice, adding that political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections should be conducted peacefully.
It also recalled that Makinde won the 2019 governorship election as an opposition candidate, arguing that political competition should respect citizens’ rights to support candidates of their choice.
SSACO further called on the governor and the APM candidate to respect political differences and ensure that residents could participate in campaign activities without fear of violence.
“No political ambition is worth the life of an Oyo State indigene and resident,” the statement said.
The organisation reiterated its support for Senator Alli’s governorship ambition, saying he intended to pursue his proposed Oyo-AHEAD agenda if elected in 2027.
The allegations against APM supporters contained in the statement were not independently verified in the material provided. The reported incidents and responsibility for them remain matters for investigation by the relevant security agencies.
