The Osun State chapters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) traded accusations on Sunday, each claiming the other was stockpiling weapons ahead of Saturday’s State Assembly elections.
In a statement obtained in Osogbo, APC chairman Tajudeen Lawal expressed alarm over “sophisticated arms and ammunition” allegedly held by hoodlums loyal to Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke. The party urged the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (retired), and the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali, to intervene and withdraw the weapons that have turned the state into a “killing field.” Lawal also lamented the killings of APC members, noting that at least 30 opposition supporters have been murdered within the first 100 days of Adeleke’s administration. He questioned whether a credible, free, and fair election could take place under the “heavily militarized condition” created by PDP thugs and called on the authorities to remove illegal arms before the elections so voters could choose without coercion.
Responding to the APC’s allegations, PDP acting chairman Dr. Akindele Adekunle issued a separate statement warning of a dangerous weapons buildup by the APC. He appealed to the IGP to deploy resources urgently to confiscate arms held by opposition thugs. The PDP claimed the APC’s actions stem from desperation after its poor performance in the presidential and National Assembly elections and warned of a serious threat to the state if police do not act promptly.
According to the PDP, APC militants were seen marching through the streets of Ife East and Central with guns and other weapons, and similar buildups were reported across Ijeshaland. The party cited recent violence: in Ikire, Irewole LGA, two PDP members were shot dead in their homes at night, and in Ilesa, three PDP members were murdered in broad daylight. Governor Adeleke, the PDP noted, has consistently warned against violence—a stance the party says it has adhered to. The statement concluded by urging the IGP to intervene and prevent the “impending bloodletting” the PDP claims the APC is planning.
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