Political tensions in Osun State have escalated as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party trade blame over recent unrest in the Owode-Ede community. Both parties have called on law enforcement to conduct investigations and restore order.
The APC has urged the police to designate Owode-Ede in Ede North Local Government Area as a political hotspot, alleging that its members and supporters face attacks and intimidation from thugs linked to the Accord Party. In a statement by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC claimed that violent acts by suspected Accord backers have led to assaults on residents and damage to vehicles belonging to party members. The party warned that without swift police action, the situation could lead to a complete breakdown of law and order.
According to the APC, “Owode-Ede has become a gathering point for political hoodlums who harass opposition supporters traveling through the area. APC-branded caps and vehicles have been forcibly removed or destroyed by suspected thugs operating near the Owode-Ede Market junction. It would be a dereliction of duty for the police to leave innocent citizens at the mercy of these individuals.” The party also linked the crisis to the blockade of its members at the same junction, stressing that freedom of movement is a constitutional right that must be protected.
However, the Accord Party rejected the allegations, accusing the APC of politicizing security matters and making accusations before investigations are complete. In a statement by its Osun State Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, Accord described the APC’s claims as “full of conjectures, assumptions, and politically motivated attacks against Governor Ademola Adeleke and the people of Ede.” Accord added that it is alarming that the APC chose propaganda over allowing security agencies to professionally determine the facts.
Accord further alleged that video clips circulating publicly show vehicles in AMBO colors with persons linked to the APC, and that there are credible claims connecting some actors in the disturbances to opposition party elements. The party demanded a thorough, impartial investigation by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, urging them to identify all perpetrators regardless of political affiliation and ensure justice without fear or favor. Accord also called for an investigation into alleged hideouts of APC-affiliated thugs.
The dispute follows earlier claims by Accord that political thugs in APC-branded vehicles opened fire on residents and their members in Owode-Ede, Aregbe, Olaiya, and other parts of Osun State. The APC denied involvement and called for the arrest of alleged Accord thugs.
With the August 15 governorship election approaching, stakeholders are urging politicians and parties to prioritize peace and security in Owode-Ede. They have also called on political actors to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and allow law enforcement to determine who is responsible for the disturbances.