The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has challenged Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Bimbo Adekanmbi, to allow security agencies to investigate the killing of an All Progressives Congress (APC) member and alleged attacks on opposition figures in the state.
The organisation made the call while reacting to a statement by the Adekanmbi Campaign Organisation, which accused SSACO and the APC of linking APM members to the incidents.
The controversy followed the killing of an APC member, Ridwan Adeyemi, and alleged attacks on Mrs Tawakalit Alli, wife of the APC governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Alli; Hon. Remi Oseni; and Hon. Folake Olunloyo-Oshinowo in Ibadan on October 7.
In a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, SSACO faulted the response of the Adekanmbi Campaign Organisation, insisting that calls for investigations into the incidents should not be dismissed.
The organisation accused the APM campaign of attempting to divert attention from concerns over the safety of APC members and other opposition figures in Oyo State.
It said, “Instead of reining in on their violent goons, allowing the people of Oyo State to live in peace and vote for their preferred candidates in the 2027 elections, APM in Oyo State has been coming up with illogical arguments to explain away their guilt.
”SSACO also challenged Makinde and Adekanmbi to cooperate with security agencies in identifying and prosecuting anyone found responsible for the killing and alleged attacks.
The campaign organisation maintained that political disagreements should not expose residents to violence or threaten their right to support candidates of their choice.
It further alleged that those responsible for the attacks were emboldened by their political sponsors, although it did not provide specific evidence to substantiate the allegation in its statement.
The organisation said the governor had a responsibility to protect residents irrespective of their political affiliations, adding that the preservation of lives should take precedence over partisan interests.
It also recalled that Makinde contested and won the 2019 governorship election as an opposition candidate, arguing that political competition should not be accompanied by violence.
“No resident deserves to die or be attacked because of party affiliation or political choice,” the statement added.
SSACO urged political leaders in the state to exercise restraint and respect the rights of residents as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
The organisation also expressed confidence in Senator Alli’s proposed Oyo-AHEAD agenda, describing it as the platform through which the senator intends to pursue his vision for the state.
It said no political ambition was worth the life of any indigene or resident of Oyo State.
