- accuses Accord Supporters of Spreading False Claims, Raises Alarm Over Political Violence
By John Dike, Osogbo
The Director-General of the AMBO Campaign Organisation, Hon. Oluwole Oke, has dismissed reports suggesting that President endorsed Governor for a second term in office, describing the claim as false, deceptive and politically motivated.
Oke made the assertion on Wednesday during a world press conference in Osogbo, alongside former Osun State Head of Service, Dr. Oyebade Oyewole Gboyega, as political activities intensify ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The campaign chief accused supporters of the Accord Party of deliberately circulating what he termed fake information to mislead members of the public and create a false impression that President Tinubu had thrown his weight behind Governor Adeleke’s re-election bid.
He said the President has not publicly endorsed Adeleke or any opposition candidate, insisting that reports suggesting otherwise were nothing more than political propaganda.
“You lied. President Tinubu never endorsed Governor Adeleke for a second term. Those behind such reports are only attempting to deceive the public and create a false narrative ahead of the election,” Oke declared.
He argued that the alleged endorsement claim was part of a broader strategy to influence public perception and create confusion among voters ahead of the governorship poll.
The AMBO Campaign Organisation also raised concerns over what it described as rising incidents of political violence across the state, alleging that supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, , had become targets of attacks in several communities.
Oke alleged that recent incidents have heightened tension and created fear among party supporters in parts of Osun State.
Among the incidents highlighted was an alleged attack on campaign vehicles conveying APC supporters in Owode-Ede.
According to the campaign organisation, buses carrying party members were vandalised by suspected hoodlums, while some supporters sustained injuries during the attack.
He warned that recurring incidents of violence could threaten democratic participation and undermine efforts to conduct a peaceful, free and credible election.
“We are deeply concerned about the increasing incidents of violence targeting our members and supporters. Democracy thrives in an atmosphere of peace, and no citizen should be intimidated, harassed or attacked because of political affiliation,” Oke said.
The campaign organisation further alleged that some individuals wanted by security agencies were being shielded from arrest, calling on Governor Adeleke to distance himself from persons accused of criminal activities and allow security agencies to perform their constitutional duties without interference.
While sympathising with victims of recent attacks reported in Osogbo, Ile-Ife, Ede and other parts of the state, the APC campaign council urged security agencies to intensify investigations and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The organisation specifically appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to closely monitor developments in Osun State and prevent further escalation of political tensions.
Oke stressed that no political ambition should be pursued at the expense of human lives, adding that the people of Osun deserve a peaceful atmosphere in which they can freely exercise their democratic rights.
He reiterated the APC’s commitment to peaceful campaigns, lawful political engagement and democratic participation, assuring supporters that the party would continue its mobilisation efforts across the state without resorting to violence.
The campaign council also called on civil society organisations, election observers and the international community to pay close attention to political developments in Osun ahead of the governorship election.
According to Oke, credible elections can only thrive in an environment where political parties and candidates are free to campaign without intimidation, harassment or fear of attack.
