BLOOD ON ACCORD PRIMARIES: OSUN APC RAISES ALARM, DEMANDS JUSTICE OVER IWO WOMAN’S DEATH

The Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council has raised fresh alarm over alleged violence that trailed the Accord Party factional primaries in the state, claiming that the exercise left one woman dead and several others injured in different parts of Osun.

“Reports emerging from different parts of the state paint a disturbing picture of chaos and bloodshed arising from what should ordinarily have been a peaceful democratic exercise,” the statement signed by Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, Head of Media and Publicity Committee of the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council, said on Saturday.

The APC campaign council alleged that Mrs Taliat Simbiat of Ward 3, Iwo Local Government Area, lost her life during the violence, while no fewer than 30 persons reportedly sustained varying degrees of injuries. It described the development as “deeply disturbing” and unacceptable in a democratic setting.

The council also accused the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke of allegedly tolerating and shielding violent elements, a claim it said had repeatedly raised security concerns in the state.

According to the APC, internal party primaries should be a peaceful democratic process but have instead, in this case, been “tainted by desperation and political recklessness,” resulting in avoidable bloodshed and destruction of property.

It further alleged that some individuals it described as criminal aides linked to the Government House in Okefia were involved, calling on security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible.

The statement urged the state government to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies, insisting that no individual, regardless of political affiliation, should be protected from justice.

“The sanctity of human life must remain paramount,” the council added, calling on the governor to demonstrate commitment to peace, civility, and democratic values in handling the aftermath of the incident.

The APC extended condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery, while warning against what it described as the “normalization of political violence” in Osun State.