Osun Guber: Adeleke’s campaign team accuses police of bias
Osun State Police Command Accused of Political Interference Ahead of Election
The Imole Campaign Council, representing Governor Ademola Adeleke, has accused the Osun State Police Command of attempting to sway the upcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for August 15, 2026.
In a statement released Thursday, spokesperson Pelumi Olajengbesi alleged that the recent arrest of Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, was politically charged.
The council condemned the police’s actions, labeling them as a reckless misuse of power that reflects perceived partisanship within the command.
“The Osun Police Command, under Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan, appears to have abandoned its constitutional duty to maintain law and order, choosing instead to engage in political maneuvers,” the statement reads.
The campaign team contends that Igbalaye’s arrest, along with those of other key figures, is part of a broader attempt to eliminate influential leaders from the political landscape ahead of the elections. They have rejected any allegations that link the arrested individuals to criminal conduct.
“The unlawful raid on Igbalaye’s residence confirms our apprehensions. The police’s characterization of the detained officials as criminals is an inadequate attempt to mask a deeply flawed policing operation,” the campaign council asserted.
TICC further criticized the police for referencing an internal security document as a watch list, describing it as irresponsible and an act of coercion.
The council also took issue with the police’s interpretation of the Electoral Act of 2026, insisting that claims of vote buying cannot be substantiated more than two weeks before an election. TICC argues that the section of the law cited by the police specifically pertains to election day activities.
Regarding the reported recovery of ₦4.8 million during the police operation, the campaign council asserted that there is no legal restriction on possessing such funds, as it falls below the threshold established by the Money Laundering Act for individuals. They claim the funds were earmarked for logistical expenses, including transportation for Accord mobilizers.
Additionally, the council stated that possessing a voters’ register does not constitute a violation, as the document is available to all registered political parties.
The campaign council also alleged that supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have recently disrupted collation centers in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, and Akarabata in Ile-Ife, stealing Permanent Voter Cards. They claim these incidents were acknowledged in a stakeholders’ meeting, but that the police have failed to take action against those responsible.
“We call on the Osun Police Command to recognize that it is not a political party or an extension of the APC, but a public institution funded by taxpayers,” the statement concluded.
The campaign council urged the immediate release of Igbalaye and others detained, emphasizing that democracy should be defined by a contest of ideas rather than coercion.
“The police must understand that their role is to enforce the law, not dictate leadership choices to the electorate,” they stated.
