The Accord Party Campaign Organisation in Osun State has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly plotting to suppress voter turnout in six local government areas in Ijesha land ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
Bamidele Salam, spokesperson for the Accord Party campaign organisation, made the allegation while speaking on Channels Television, where he also responded to claims by Senator Francis Fadahunsi that the opposition party was responsible for political violence in Osun State.
Salam alleged that the APC was attempting to create fear and discourage eligible voters from participating in the election, particularly in communities across Ijesha land where the Accord Party expects strong support.
According to the Accord Party spokesman, the alleged strategy could involve intimidating voters and restricting movement in the affected local government areas, thereby reducing the number of people who would be able to cast their ballots.
He further claimed that such a situation could create room for election results to be manipulated.
“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 said.
Accord Party accuses APC of voter intimidation
Salam maintained that the alleged plan was connected to what he described as the APC’s inability to defeat the Accord Party through a free and fair election.
He alleged that rather than relying entirely on voter support, some APC figures were seeking to create an atmosphere of intimidation that could affect turnout on election day.
The Accord Party representative called on voters not to be discouraged by the tense political atmosphere, urging security agencies to protect citizens and ensure that eligible voters can access their polling units without fear.
He also appealed to electoral authorities to monitor sensitive areas closely and prevent any attempt by political actors to interfere with the voting process.
Fadahunsi faces controversy over viral video
Salam’s comments came amid controversy surrounding a viral video involving Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District.
The senator has faced criticism over remarks contained in the video, with opponents alleging that his comments could encourage political violence ahead of the governorship election.
Reports have also indicated that the Osun State Police Command invited Fadahunsi for questioning over the controversial remarks.
Fadahunsi, however, has denied any intention to incite violence, maintaining that his comments were misunderstood and taken out of context.
The APC has also rejected allegations that it is planning to intimidate voters or manipulate the election through violence.
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Salam makes fresh allegations against Senator
During the television programme, Salam also accused Fadahunsi of contributing to the heightened political tension in Osun.
He alleged that the senator had previously made threats involving security personnel following the recovery of weapons from individuals suspected of being political thugs.
Salam further claimed that some Accord Party members and leaders had been arrested following petitions allegedly linked to the senator.
He described the alleged arrests and intimidation as part of a broader pattern that, in his view, was aimed at weakening opposition parties ahead of the election.
The allegations remain claims by the Accord Party spokesman and have not been independently established.
Political tension rises ahead of Osun election
The latest accusations have added another layer to the already heated political contest in Osun State.
As Saturday’s governorship election approaches, political parties have intensified their campaigns and mobilisation efforts across the state.
Accusations involving voter intimidation, political violence, inflammatory statements and alleged attempts to manipulate the electoral process have increasingly dominated political discussions.
Ijesha land has emerged as one of the areas attracting considerable attention because of its potential importance to the overall election result.
The Accord Party has therefore urged its supporters and other eligible voters in the area to remain calm but determined to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
Security agencies under pressure
With tensions rising, security agencies are expected to play a critical role in maintaining peace before, during and after the election.
The parties have continued to call on security personnel to remain impartial and protect voters regardless of their political affiliation.
Election observers and other stakeholders are also expected to monitor the conduct of the poll closely, particularly in areas regarded as politically sensitive.
The competing allegations have increased concerns about whether political disagreements could escalate into confrontations among supporters.
Stakeholders have consequently urged political leaders to moderate their statements and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence.
What to expect on election day
The major concern for voters is whether the election will take place in an environment that allows eligible citizens to freely participate.
The Accord Party has insisted that its supporters will not be intimidated, while the APC continues to reject allegations of plans to suppress voters.
The outcome of the election could therefore depend significantly on voter turnout across the various local government areas, including the six LGAs in Ijesha land mentioned by the Accord Party.
As the final preparations continue, attention remains focused on the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, political parties and voters to ensure that the Osun governorship election is conducted peacefully and transparently.
For now, the allegations exchanged by the parties remain politically contested, with no independent confirmation of the alleged APC plan to suppress voter turnout.
The responsibility now rests on all stakeholders to ensure that political competition does not undermine the right of citizens to vote freely and that the final result reflects the genuine choice of Osun voters.
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