Osun politics tension escalates as campaign council alleges coordinated vandalism, calls for security intervention

The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) has called on the Inspector General of Police, security agencies, civil society organisations, election observers, and the international community to urgently intervene following what it described as coordinated political vandalism and rising tensions across Osun State. The council alleged that supporters linked to the Osun All Progressives Congress (APC) were responsible for the destruction of campaign materials belonging to the Imole Campaign and the Accord Party.

In a statement issued on Friday, the council said that billboards and campaign structures were vandalised in the early hours of the day across several local government areas, including Irewole, Ayedaade, Irepodun, and Osogbo. It described the incidents as part of a disturbing pattern of politically motivated violence targeting opposition materials ahead of heightened political activity in the state.

According to the council, intelligence available to it suggests that the operation was coordinated by individuals allegedly acting under the supervision of a known political enforcer identified as Asiri Eniba. It further alleged that some security operatives either aided or failed to intervene during the destruction of the campaign materials, raising concerns about neutrality and the enforcement of law and order.

The statement warned that the situation reflects a dangerous shift in political engagement within Osun State, describing it as a move away from democratic competition toward intimidation and coercion. It argued that the alleged actions point to desperation within political circles, unable to compete through policy debate or public appeal.

“The people of Osun State must begin to pay close attention to the desperation currently consuming the APC in the state,” the statement read. “Having failed to present a compelling alternative vision, some actors are now resorting to intimidation, destruction of opposition materials, and fear-based tactics.”

The council stressed that the alleged attacks represent not just political rivalry but a broader threat to democratic stability, freedom of expression, and peaceful participation in the electoral process. It warned that unchecked political violence could escalate tensions and undermine public trust in democratic institutions.

TICC therefore called on the Inspector General of Police to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the incidents and ensure that all individuals involved, including alleged sponsors and collaborators, are identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law. It also urged security agencies in Osun State to intensify surveillance and prevent further acts of political violence.

In addition, the council appealed to international election observers, human rights organisations, and democratic institutions to take note of what it described as emerging intimidation tactics ahead of future elections in the state. It said early attention and monitoring would help safeguard democratic norms and deter further escalation.

Despite the allegations, the council reiterated that Governor Ademola Adeleke remains focused on governance and service delivery, insisting that no form of intimidation would alter the democratic will of the people. It maintained that political violence would ultimately fail to influence voter sentiment or disrupt the electoral process in Osun State.

As of press time, there has been no official response from the Osun APC or security agencies regarding the allegations.