Osun APC Alleges Plot to Arm Political Thugs Ahead of 2026 Governorship Election

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Governorship Campaign Council has raised the alarm over an alleged plan by the state government to procure arms and ammunition worth about N2 billion for political thugs ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the council, the Head of Media and Publicity Committee, Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, alleged that intelligence available to the party indicated that part of the funds earmarked for the procurement had already been released. He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, to urgently investigate the claims.

According to the APC, Governor Ademola Adeleke, his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, and the Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, Mr. Adekunle Omoyele, were allegedly linked to the planned arms procurement.

The council further alleged that about N500 million had already been released as part of the funds intended for the purchase of the weapons, claiming that the Amotekun Corps was being used as a cover for the distribution of the arms.

The opposition party also revisited its earlier allegations that individuals with partisan affiliations had been recruited into the Amotekun Corps, alleging that some operatives and officials were currently facing criminal charges before a Federal High Court in Abuja over an incident in Ife North Local Government Area.

The APC expressed concern that the alleged procurement of arms could threaten the conduct of a free, fair and credible governorship election, recalling previous incidents of political violence in the state.

The council also alleged that some individuals declared wanted by security agencies were being harboured by government officials, a claim it said further heightened fears over security ahead of the poll.

While urging security agencies to take proactive measures, the APC maintained that democratic contests should be decided through performance and popular support rather than violence or intimidation.

As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Government had not issued any official response to the allegations.