Political tensions are escalating in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election after the police arrested the state’s Secretary to the Government, Teslim Igbalaye, and five others over alleged vote-buying offences. The arrests have triggered a strong reaction from Governor Ademola Adeleke’s camp, which accused the police of political intimidation.
The Osun State Police Command said Igbalaye and the other suspects were arrested as part of an investigation into alleged electoral offences. The development comes amid growing disputes between the ruling political camp and opposition parties over campaign activities and the conduct of security agencies ahead of the poll.
Adeleke and his supporters have strongly criticized the police response, with the governor’s campaign organization demanding the release of those detained. The Imole Campaign Council described the arrests as part of what it called an attempt to intimidate political opponents ahead of the election. The campaign group has also alleged that dozens of its supporters and canvassers have recently been arrested.
According to reports, the latest confrontation follows a series of disagreements between Adeleke’s camp and the police over the arrest of political actors. The campaign council previously accused officers of arresting Accord Party figures during political meetings, while the police have maintained that their operations are intelligence-led and connected to alleged electoral offences.
Adeleke has repeatedly called for what he describes as non-partisan policing in the state. Earlier this month, during a meeting with Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, the governor said anyone involved in political violence should be arrested regardless of party affiliation and urged the police to ensure a fair environment for the election. The IGP, in turn, warned political actors and their supporters against violence, stressing that an election is not a war.
With the election approaching, the latest arrests have intensified concerns over political tensions in Osun and the role of security agencies in maintaining a credible and peaceful electoral process.
