Osun State is under heavy security two days to Saturday’s governorship election, with soldiers, police and NSCDC operatives patrolling the capital and other flashpoints to prevent further violence.
Camouflaged troops in trucks moved through Osogbo on Wednesday, covering Fagbewesa, Ola-Iya, Old Garage, Oke-Fia, Oke-Baale and Ilesa Garage. Another military contingent arrived at about 7pm. About 25 buses carrying SPU, Mobile Police and IRT officers also came in from Kwara, Oyo and Delta states, with more expected.
The show of force follows weeks of tension in the hotly contested race between the ruling Accord and the APC. NGOs monitoring the violence say more than 30 people have been killed. Three people were reportedly killed in Ilesa on Tuesday, raising the 24-hour toll to 12, all alleged to be APC supporters.
Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu warned that there would be “no room for violence.” In a statement by Force PRO CSP Ani Iniedu, he urged candidates to call supporters to order. DIG Ishyaku Mohammed has been deployed to oversee security across the 30 LGAs.
INEC said distribution of sensitive materials to LGAs begins today. It also announced the reprinting of ballot papers and result sheets to include SDP candidate Francis Olugbenga Ajala, in compliance with a July 22 Federal High Court judgment. The new materials are expected in the state today.
ALSO READ: UPDATE on Ilesa shooting: Osun Commissioner arrested
Governor Ademola Adeleke declared Thursday a public holiday to enable workers to travel and vote, excluding those on essential duties.
APC leaders including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governors Hope Uzodinma, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Monday Okpebholo and Usman Ododo arrived for today’s mega rally for candidate Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji. The ADC, Accord and AAC also intensified mobilisation. AAC leader Omoyele Sowore urged voters in Osogbo to back Olajide Esan.
The ADC alleged plans to arrest its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, ahead of the poll.
Senator Francis Fadahunsi honoured a police invitation in Osogbo over a viral video. He said his comment about “killing” Accord meant defeating them with votes.
The NBA, after meeting INEC and police, urged all actors to uphold neutrality and the rule of law. REC Oluwatoyin Babalola assured that every valid vote would count.
