The British High Commission on Tuesday visited the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council in Osogbo, where the party called on the international community to closely monitor political developments ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
During the meeting, the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, described the visit as evidence of the international community's commitment to Nigeria's democratic process and the conduct of credible elections.
Oyebamiji alleged that APC members and supporters had been subjected to increasing political violence, intimidation and attacks by individuals he claimed were linked to the Osun State Government and Governor Ademola Adeleke.
According to him, the party has documented over 40 cases of alleged politically motivated attacks on its members across the state since 2022, adding that the incidents had been reported to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.
Among the cases cited were the 2022 killing of APC chieftain and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) leader Tajudeen Rabiu in Osogbo; the murder of Waheed, which he alleged involved Olalekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as "Emir Ajagungbade"; the November 2022 killing of Muraina Olayiwola, allegedly linked to Nurudeen Wakili, also known as "Nuru Alawonle"; and the 2023 murder of Ismail Dudu in Ota Efun.
The APC candidate also referenced the November 2025 shooting of APC and NURTW leader Adeboye Ademoroti, popularly known as "Gernanee," in Ilesa, alleging that the attack was carried out by Solomon Adefioye, alias "Solo Iwara," whom the party said had been declared wanted by the police.
He further recalled the February 2023 kidnap and killing of APC Ward 9 Treasurer in Irewole Local Government, Saheed Oyegunju, during President Bola Tinubu's campaign visit, alleging that Senator Lere Oyewumi was connected to the case.
Oyebamiji also mentioned the February 2025 killing of APC chieftain and Irewole Local Government Chairman, Hon. Remi Abass, claiming that Jide Joda, whom he described as a government appointee, had been declared wanted over the incident.
Other incidents highlighted included the January 2026 killing of Kazeem Oyebamiji, popularly known as "Mosquito," in Olorunda Local Government and the July 2026 killing of APC campaigner Muideen Alowonle in Ilesa, which he said occurred just two days before the British High Commission's visit.
Expressing concern that some of the suspects remained at large despite reportedly being declared wanted, Oyebamiji urged security agencies to ensure impartial investigations into all allegations.
He noted that the Inspector-General of Police had recently received security briefings from the Osun State Commissioner of Police and called for all reported cases to be handled professionally in line with the law.
The APC Campaign Council also appealed to the British High Commission and other international observers to maintain active engagement with political stakeholders and deploy comprehensive election observation missions to strengthen confidence in the electoral process.
Reaffirming the party's commitment to a peaceful campaign, Oyebamiji said APC members had been directed to remain law-abiding and cooperate fully with security agencies despite the prevailing security concerns.
"As we approach Election Day, we reaffirm our commitment to conducting our campaign peacefully and responsibly while encouraging all political actors to place the interest of democracy and the people of Osun State above every other consideration," he said.
He also appreciated the British High Commission for its continued support for democratic governance in Nigeria.
The allegations raised by the APC remain the party's claims. They have not been independently verified, and no court has made findings on the allegations.
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