AAC Raises Alarm Over Security in Osun, Accuses Police of Partisanship Ahead of Governorship Election

The African Action Congress (AAC) in Osun State has accused the Osun State Police Command of abandoning its constitutional responsibilities and acting in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that the state’s security situation could threaten the credibility of the August 15 governorship election.

In a statement issued on Monday by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Akinlade Semiu Babatunde, the AAC alleged that Osun was witnessing an increase in political violence, intimidation and insecurity despite the recent visit of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s successor, IGP Tunji Disu, to the state.

The opposition party claimed that the latest incident occurred at the popular Old Garage area of Osogbo, where it alleged that armed thugs attempted to forcefully take over the motor park, causing panic among traders, commercial drivers and residents.

According to the AAC, the attack was not an isolated case but part of what it described as a growing pattern of political violence ahead of the governorship election.

The party also alleged that incidents of political killings, kidnappings and attacks on opposition members had continued across the state, claiming that while security agencies occasionally announce arrests, those behind the attacks are rarely brought to justice.

AAC further accused the Osun State Police Command of compromising its neutrality, alleging that police officers were seen in a viral video associating with individuals it described as political thugs.

“The Command has abandoned its constitutional duty of protecting lives and property and has degenerated into a partisan outfit,” the statement read.

The party described the alleged conduct as unacceptable and called on the Inspector-General of Police to immediately redeploy the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, arguing that the police chief had lost public confidence.

Beyond security concerns, the AAC also alleged that there were plans to create conditions that could lead to the postponement of the governorship election.

According to the party, there is a plot to portray Osun as too volatile for a peaceful election, paving the way for the declaration of an emergency administrative arrangement.

The party insisted that the August 15 governorship election must hold as scheduled and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organizations, labour unions, youth groups and the international community to closely monitor developments in the state.

It also called on residents to remain vigilant and defend democratic processes through peaceful and lawful means.

The governorship election in Osun State is expected to be one of the most closely watched off-cycle elections in the country, with political parties intensifying campaigns across the state.