The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness has called on security agencies to urgently intensify measures to prevent violence before, during and after Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
The organisation also raised concerns over what it described as a deteriorating security situation in the state, alleging that about 40 people had been killed in pre-election-related violence.
Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo on Thursday, the Director-General and Head of Mission of the Centre, Dr Nwambu Gabriel, said the development required immediate intervention by security agencies to safeguard voters and other residents.
Gabriel said the political atmosphere in the state had become increasingly tense, alleging that campaigns had shifted from issue-based engagements to personal attacks, insults and inflammatory statements.
He appealed to political office holders and other political actors to exercise restraint and refrain from making statements capable of inflaming tensions or encouraging violence.
The organisation specifically demanded increased security deployment across the six local government areas in Ijeshaland, saying the areas required heightened attention to protect voters, residents and other stakeholders during the election period.
According to Gabriel, the centre’s pre-election monitoring had revealed what he described as a “deeply alarming security landscape” across Osun State.
“Our pre-election monitoring reveals a deeply alarming security landscape. Approximately 40 persons have been killed in pre-election-related violence across Osun State,” he said.
Gabriel further alleged that some political actors had imported thugs and individuals impersonating security personnel into parts of Ijeshaland ahead of the election.
He specifically accused Senator Francis Fadahunsi of allegedly mobilising thugs and fake policemen to his hometown, Ilesa, as well as other communities across Obokun, Oriade, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Atakumosa East and Atakumosa West Local Government Areas.
The group also alleged that Fadahunsi had threatened to use what it described as “federal might” to intimidate voters and prevent opposition supporters from exercising their franchise.
Gabriel further alleged that the senator had boasted of using the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to harass and intimidate opposition figures, including an alleged raid on the homes of Accord Party leaders.
He also raised allegations concerning the detention of a House of Representatives candidate, Alaba Popoola, calling for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged detention.
The organisation, however, said the allegations required urgent investigation by the appropriate authorities.
Gabriel called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to investigate the allegations and, where evidence establishes criminal culpability, prosecute those responsible in accordance with the law.
He also urged security agencies to conduct operations against armed thugs and individuals allegedly impersonating police officers ahead of the poll.
“All security formations deployed for Saturday’s election must pay hyper-vigilant attention to the six LGAs in Ijeshaland to safeguard the lives of law-abiding citizens,” he said.
Gabriel further urged the security agencies to investigate the activities of the Police Intelligence Response Team in Osun State and ensure that security operations are conducted professionally and in accordance with the law.
He also condemned inflammatory political rhetoric, warning that statements from political actors could heighten tensions and undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.
The Centre urged security agencies to remain impartial and professional in the discharge of their responsibilities, stressing that every eligible voter must be allowed to exercise their constitutional right without intimidation or harassment.
Gabriel called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to eschew violence and allow the people of Osun State to freely determine their choice of governor through the ballot.
