On this Democracy Day, I had intended to rest my pen. I wanted to leave the fate written on the walls of history to speak for itself. I thought perhaps the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy were enough testimony. Yet, in the final hour, a thought stirred within me, compelling me to write a message to all of us who have come together to form this sovereign nation called Nigeria. My message is particularly for those who believe that the business of Nigeria lies in the hands of a powerful few. Perhaps they are influenced by what the German sociologist Robert Michels described as the "Iron Law of Oligarchy" ,the tendency for power to concentrate in the hands of a small elite. Looking at our politics, our institutions, and our economy, one may be tempted to believe that the destiny of Nigeria is determined only by those who occupy powerful offices and influential positions. But history tells a different story. Nigeria does not belong to any president, governor, politi...
Calls on Adeleke to Rein in Supporters, Urges International Observers to Monitor Developments
By OrionTimes Political Desk | June 10, 2026
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of failing to curb what it described as escalating political violence, intimidation, and harassment allegedly carried out by individuals linked to the ruling party.
The opposition party made the allegations during a press conference held in Osogbo on Wednesday, where it called on security agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to urgently intervene and prevent further deterioration of security in the state.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the APC Governorship Campaign Council, the Director-General of the 2026 Campaign Council, Hon. Oluwole Oke,
alongside APC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Engr. Benjamin Adereti; former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Adebayo Adeleke; and National Commissioner of the Federal Civil Service Commission representing Osun and Oyo States, Dr. Festus Oyebade Olowogboyega, expressed concern over what they described as a growing climate of fear ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The APC leadership urged Governor Adeleke to call his supporters to order, warning that unchecked political violence could further heighten tensions and threaten peace and democratic stability in the state.
The party also appealed to the international community, election observers, civil society organisations, and pro-democracy groups to closely monitor political developments in Osun State and hold accountable anyone found undermining democratic processes through violence or intimidation.
According to Hon. Oke, campaign buses belonging to the APC were allegedly attacked and vandalised on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, by suspected hoodlums believed to be affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Accord Party in the Owode-Ede area.
He claimed that several supporters of APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), sustained injuries during the attack, while campaign materials and other valuables were destroyed.
"Such brazen acts of violence have no place in a democratic society and should alarm every well-meaning citizen of Osun State," Oke said.
He further noted that Owode-Ede has witnessed previous incidents of politically-related violence, recalling the 2022 attack on the wife of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, while she served as First Lady of the state.
"The recurrence of violent incidents in the community raises serious concerns about the activities of criminal elements who appear emboldened by the absence of firm action from those in authority," he stated.
The APC questioned why citizens should face attacks because of their political affiliations and warned against what it described as attempts to suppress constitutional rights through intimidation.
The party also raised concerns over reports linking one of Governor Adeleke's appointees, Nurudeen Alowonle, to recent disturbances in Osogbo. APC leaders alleged that armed groups associated with political factions were involved in violent confrontations, resulting in injuries and heightened fear among residents.
According to the campaign council, vehicles branded with Governor Adeleke's insignia were allegedly seen transporting individuals carrying dangerous weapons during the unrest. The APC claimed the clashes were connected to internal disputes among political groups operating within the ruling party's sphere of influence.
The opposition party maintained that innocent residents have become victims of the violence and urged security agencies to conduct thorough investigations into the incidents.
The APC reiterated its demand for swift action by law enforcement authorities to prevent further attacks and ensure that those responsible for any acts of violence are brought to justice.
As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations raised by the APC.
The recent exchange of accusations between major political actors has heightened concerns about security in Osun State as political activities intensify ahead of the 2026
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