The Accord Party’s Osun State governorship campaign spokesperson, Bamidele Salam, has alleged that opposition parties are planning to intimidate voters and suppress turnout in the six local government areas of Ijesa land ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
Salam made the allegation during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, as political parties intensified their campaigns ahead of the August 15 poll.
He claimed the alleged plan was to create fear among residents, discourage them from voting and ultimately manipulate results in the affected areas.
“This is their grand plan,” Salam said, alleging that the intention was to “scare people away from voting in Ijesa land” and prevent voters across the six local governments from turning out.
According to him, the alleged strategy was based on the belief that the opposition could not defeat Accord Party candidate, Ademola Adeleke, in a free and fair election.
Salam said the party was urging residents not to be intimidated, stressing that voters should remain peaceful and participate in the election.
“We are telling everybody in Osun to remain peaceful, to continue to be peaceful,” he said.
He urged residents to come out on Saturday and exercise their civic rights, despite the alleged threats.
Also appearing on the programme, Senator Fadahunsi was asked whether he would call on his supporters to remain peaceful and avoid violence.
“My people, go and vote. Stop killing them. That is my own wish,” Fadahunsi said, adding that continued violence could threaten peace in the state.
Meanwhile, Governor Ademola Adeleke has also alleged a plot to arrest and detain leaders of the Accord Party.
The Osun State governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, with political parties and their candidates seeking support across the state’s 30 local government areas.
The allegations come amid heightened political tension and security concerns ahead of the poll.
