APC Campaign Organisation Reports Violent Attacks on Candidates in Oyo State

The political landscape in Oyo State has been marred by allegations of violence and intimidation, as the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) reports multiple attacks on its members and supporters. The incidents occurred in Ibadan, where the campaign organisation claims that Alhaja Tawakalitu Alli, the wife of APC governorship candidate Sharafadeen Alli, was assaulted during a medical outreach event at Ibikunle House, Ayeye.

In addition to the attack on Tawakalitu Alli, the SSACO has alleged that campaign teams for other APC candidates, including Aderemi Oseni for Oyo South Senatorial District and Folake Olunloyo-Oshinowo for the Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, faced violence at various campaign events. These events took place at Agbaje Market, Orita-Merin, and Idi-Arere, where supporters were reportedly targeted by individuals described as hoodlums affiliated with the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

In a statement issued by Bisi Oladele, the Director of Media and Publicity for SSACO, the organisation condemned the assaults, labelling them as barbaric and a direct attack on democratic practices. “The SSACO is at the least miffed by the unwarranted and barbaric attacks by Allied People’s Movement (APM) hoodlums,” the statement read, emphasizing the need for a safe environment for political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

SSACO has urged Governor Seyi Makinde and APM governorship candidate Bimbo Adekanmbi to ensure that all political actors can conduct their campaigns without fear of violence or intimidation. This call to action highlights the broader implications of such attacks, which threaten the integrity of the electoral process in Oyo State.

As the political climate intensifies with the approach of the 2027 elections, the incidents reported by SSACO serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing political parties and candidates in Nigeria. The ability to campaign freely is crucial for democracy, and the ongoing tensions could have consequences for voter engagement and participation in the upcoming electoral process.