The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, has denied allegations linking the killing of an Accord Party member, Ajayi Rogba, to its members or the party’s governorship campaign leadership.

Ajayi, an indigene of Esa-Oke, was reportedly killed on Tuesday night by suspected thugs.

During a condolence visit to the deceased’s family on Wednesday, Governor Ademola Adeleke allegedly suggested that the attack was carried out by thugs loyal to the APC and criticised the party’s governorship campaign Director-General, Wole Oke. He also called on the police to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Addressing journalists in Esa-Oke on Friday, Prof. Siji Olamiju, speaking on behalf of APC members in the area, cautioned against politicising the killing before the conclusion of police investigations.

“We are particularly concerned that certain individuals have hastily linked this unfortunate incident to politics without allowing the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to conclude their investigations,” Olamiju said.

He stressed that justice could only be achieved through a thorough, impartial and professional investigation, rather than speculation or politically motivated accusations.

Olamiju also dismissed attempts to link Wole Oke or the APC to the incident, insisting there was no credible evidence connecting the party or its leaders to the killing.

He urged Governor Adeleke and other public office holders to exercise restraint and allow security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without interference or premature conclusions.

The APC further called on security agencies to conduct a transparent and unbiased investigation, maintaining that anyone found culpable, regardless of political affiliation or status, should face the full weight of the law.

The party also appealed to political stakeholders to allow due process to prevail over unverified allegations while honouring the memory of the deceased.