Adeleke Campaign Demands Release of Detained Supporters

“We have met with the leadership of the police, and they cannot provide any explanation to us. There is no petition against them. These people have committed no offence.”

The single sharpest fact is this: over 86 supporters of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, have been arrested and detained without any lawful basis ahead of the state's governorship election. The Nigeria Police Force has been accused of targeting members of the Accord Party.

The campaign's spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, revealed that the team visited the Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) headquarters in Abuja and met with the leadership of the police, but they were unable to provide any explanation for the arrests. According to Olajengbesi, the detainees were brought from Osun State to Abuja without any valid reason, and many are being held at the Keffi Correctional Centre and Kuje Custodial Centre.

The campaign team has called on the Inspector-General of Police to intervene and ensure a level playing field ahead of the election. Olajengbesi stated that the Commissioner of Police in Osun State is compromised and should not be allowed to conduct the election, as it would already be compromised.

However, the Osun State Police Command has dismissed the allegations, insisting that only six suspects were arrested, and they are all adults who were apprehended based on credible intelligence. The command's spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, also denied allegations that security operatives invaded the residences of government officials.

The campaign team has accused the police of intimidating opposition supporters and attempting to manipulate the electoral process. This raises concerns about the integrity of the election and the ability of citizens to exercise their franchise.

And what does this mean for the future of the election? The Nigerian government has extended the period for permanent voter cards (PVCs) to be collected, in a bid to increase voter turnout and ensure a smooth electoral process. However, the controversy surrounding the arrests of Adeleke's supporters threatens to undermine these efforts.