Osun Being Militarised, Situation Worse Than Military Era — PDP Chairman, Bisi

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Sunday Bisi, has alleged that the political atmosphere in the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election has deteriorated to a level he described as worse than the military era.

Bisi, in an interview with The PUNCH, accused the Federal Government and security agencies of allegedly mounting pressure on the Osun State Government and supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

He alleged that the situation had intensified as the governorship election approaches, claiming that several members of the Accord Party had been killed while more than 40 others were being held in police custody in Abuja.

According to him, some of those arrested were allegedly taken from Osun State to Abuja without being charged to court.

Bisi specifically mentioned the Accord Party's House of Representatives candidate for Ijesa South Federal Constituency, Alaba Popoola, who he said was arrested on July 25 and had remained in police custody without charges.

"This is worse than the military era. We have never seen a government like this before in Nigeria," Bisi said, alleging that the objective was to paralyse the Adeleke administration ahead of the election.

The PDP chairman also defended the performance of the Adeleke administration, citing the construction of roads, bridges, flyovers and schools, as well as developments at the University of Ilesa and Osun State University.

He accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to regain control of the state through what he described as pressure and intimidation.

Bisi further alleged that political thugs linked to the APC were moving around the state with weapons and attacking members of the opposition, while accusing the police of failing to act on complaints and petitions submitted by his camp.

He also rejected allegations that members of the Accord Party were responsible for political violence, challenging the opposition to produce evidence and urging security agencies to charge anyone arrested with an offence.

On concerns that the tense political environment could discourage voters from participating in the election, Bisi expressed confidence that residents would turn out in large numbers to vote for Adeleke.

He claimed that pensioners, workers, artisans and other groups were determined to participate in the August 15 election, predicting victory for the incumbent governor.

Bisi also criticised the freezing of the Osun State Government's account, questioning the rationale behind restricting funds meant for workers and public services.

He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that security agencies maintain neutrality during the election.

"We are not saying that he should support us in the election; he should just allow a free and fair election," Bisi said.

Explaining why he was supporting Adeleke despite being the state PDP chairman, Bisi said the PDP does not have a governorship candidate in the election and that Adeleke, who previously contested under the PDP, moved to the Accord Party following the crisis within the opposition party.

He said the entire PDP structure in Osun had resolved to support Adeleke's re-election, describing the governor as a good leader who had delivered on his promises.

The August 15 governorship election is expected to feature a major contest between Adeleke and candidates of the APC and other political parties, amid heightened political tension and competing allegations among the major camps.