APC Plotting To Lock Down 6 Osun LGAs, Prevent Voting, Write Results — Accord Party Alleges

The spokesperson for the Osun Accord Party Campaign Organisation, Bamidele Salam, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly planning to suppress voter turnout in six local government areas in Ijesha land during Saturday’s governorship election.

Salam made the allegation while appearing on a Channels Television programme, where he reacted to claims by Senator Francis Fadahunsi that the Accord Party was responsible for political violence in the state.

The allegation came amid reports that the Nigeria Police Force has invited Senator Fadahunsi for questioning over a viral video in which he allegedly made comments considered capable of inciting violence ahead of the election.

Speaking during the programme, Salam alleged that the APC was resorting to intimidation because it could not win through a free and fair electoral process.

He claimed the party’s alleged plan was to discourage voters from participating in Ijesha land and manipulate results in its favour.

According to him, “The plan of Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi and those who are of the same mind is to scare people away from voting in Ijeshaland because by their plan, they hope that they could use the six local governments in Ijesha land, lock the place down, scare voters away, and write results on Saturday.”

Salam added that the political atmosphere in Osun showed that the APC could not compete successfully in a transparent election, accusing the party of seeking to suppress votes through threats and intimidation.

The Accord Party spokesman also described Senator Fadahunsi as a key figure behind what he termed political violence in the state, accusing him of making repeated threats and spreading false claims.

He alleged that the senator had previously threatened military personnel after weapons were recovered from suspected political thugs.

Salam further claimed that security operatives linked to the senator had been used to intimidate members of opposition parties, alleging that some Accord Party members and leaders had been arrested following petitions from the lawmaker.

He also referenced a viral video in which the senator allegedly instructed supporters to confront members of the Accord Party, saying the remarks were clear and only became controversial after public criticism.

The APC and Senator Fadahunsi have previously denied allegations of promoting violence, while the senator has maintained that his comments were taken out of context.

The latest accusations came as tension continues to rise ahead of Saturday’s Osun governorship election, with political parties trading allegations of intimidation, voter suppression and incitement, while security agencies intensify preparations to ensure a peaceful poll.