The Imole Campaign Council (TICC), the campaign organisation for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleging politically motivated arrests, human rights violations and misuse of police powers ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The council also called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure neutrality before, during and after the election, while urging President Bola Tinubu to prevent security agencies from being used for political intimidation.

Speaking with journalists after submitting the petition at the NHRC headquarters in Abuja on Monday, the council’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, alleged that the police had targeted supporters of Governor Adeleke in the run-up to the poll.

According to him, several campaign supporters have been arrested and detained without lawful justification.

“This morning, we approached the National Human Rights Commission to formally highlight what we perceive as reckless violations of human rights occurring in Osun State simply because of the impending election.

“We seek assurance from the Inspector-General of Police that the governorship election on August 15 will be conducted in a free, fair and credible manner, and that the Nigeria Police Force will provide security impartially,” he said.

Olajengbesi further alleged that following public criticism over the arrest of opposition supporters, the Osun State Commissioner of Police was initially transferred, leading to the release of 26 detained campaign members.

He, however, claimed that the officer was later returned to the state after alleged pressure was mounted on the IGP.

“We were informed that following the transfer of the Commissioner of Police, he was sent back to Osun State due to threats made against the Inspector-General of Police. If this is accurate, it raises significant concerns regarding the autonomy of the police leadership,” he alleged.

The campaign spokesperson also claimed that two commissioners of police were currently operating in Osun State, with one overseeing election security and the other handling administrative duties.

He described the arrangement as confusing and capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.

Olajengbesi also alleged that one of the campaign’s members, Popoola Alaba, popularly known as “Alabama” and identified as the Accord candidate for the Ijesa South House of Representatives, was arrested while campaigning in Osogbo and later transferred to Abuja.

He said Alaba was being detained on the strength of a Magistrate Court order in Dutse, Abuja, over allegations of armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms.

According to him, no incriminating items were recovered from the politician at the time of his arrest.

“We visited the police facility where he is being held and were told that nothing was discovered on him during the arrest. Nevertheless, an ex parte detention order was secured from a magistrate court without any evidence linking him to the alleged crimes.

“If he has committed any crime, the police should promptly charge him before a competent court. They cannot continue to detain an innocent individual indefinitely under dubious circumstances,” he said.

The campaign council accused the police of using the criminal justice system to intimidate political opponents and urged the NHRC to investigate the allegations and safeguard the rights of political actors.

Olajengbesi also appealed to President Tinubu to ensure that federal institutions remain neutral throughout the electoral process.

“The President must prevent the Nigeria Police Force or any governmental body from becoming a tool of oppression. Every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation, is entitled to legal protection.

“The events in Osun on August 15 will serve as a litmus test for Nigeria’s democracy. Security agencies must foster confidence rather than instil fear,” he said.

Responding to remarks by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, that Osun was a “must-win” state for the ruling party, Olajengbesi maintained that the electorate alone should determine the outcome of the election.

“The citizens of Osun will choose their leader through their votes. Democracy is fundamentally about the people’s will, not political assertions. We are confident that Governor Ademola Adeleke remains the preferred choice of the majority in Osun,” he said.

The Nigeria Police Force had not issued a response to the latest allegations as of the time of filing this report.