The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has condemned the alleged attack on two members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abiola Abulesowo and Abanise Olanrewaju, by suspected hoodlums allegedly affiliated with the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan, Oyo State, calling on the party’s governorship candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, to caution his supporters against acts capable of escalating political tension across the state.
The organisation also urged Governor Seyi Makinde and Adekanmbi to prevail on their supporters to embrace peaceful political engagement, warning against the use of political influence or perceived government protection to intimidate opposition members.
The condemnation followed an incident reportedly involving the two APC members at the Ibadan North Local Government Secretariat on Wednesday, where they had accompanied a newly registered voter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office within the council premises.
According to the account provided by the victims, trouble began when some suspected APM supporters allegedly identified them as APC members and challenged their presence at the local government secretariat, reportedly questioning why opposition party members would enter a facility they claimed was under APM leadership.
Abulesowo, while recounting the incident, said the confrontation escalated after the duo insisted that the local government secretariat was a public institution that should remain accessible to every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation.
He explained that their attempt to clarify that their visit was strictly related to the electoral registration process was met with physical aggression.
“They challenged us, asking why we, as APC members, entered the secretariat which is under the leadership of APM. And we answered that the secretariat belongs to all Nigerians, not just APM members.
“They insisted that we were too daring to have been bold enough to enter the secretariat, knowing fully that APM is the ruling party in Oyo State. While trying to explain to them that the issue was not a political one, slaps and punches started raining on our heads.
“We tried to protect ourselves, but they were many. We had to run. Yet they pursued us. While we thought we were already escaping, we landed in the hands of PMS thugs at the bus stop who took over the beating.
“They tore our dress and thoroughly embarrassed us, just because we are APC members,” Abulesowo narrated.
The victims reportedly said the incident occurred at approximately 1 p.m., adding that the assault continued beyond the immediate vicinity of the local government secretariat as they attempted to escape from their alleged attackers.
The allegations have raised fresh concerns about political tolerance, the safety of opposition members and the need to preserve the neutrality of public institutions, particularly as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
SSACO condemns alleged political intimidation
In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, the SSACO described the alleged assault as condemnable and expressed concern over what it characterised as a growing pattern of intimidation against opposition members in Oyo State.
The campaign organisation maintained that political differences should not become grounds for physical attacks, harassment or the denial of citizens’ fundamental rights to move freely and participate in lawful democratic activities.
It specifically called on Adekanmbi to rein in his supporters, while also urging Governor Makinde to demonstrate leadership by ensuring that individuals allegedly perpetrating political violence are neither encouraged nor shielded from accountability.
According to the statement, the alleged attack was another manifestation of what the organisation described as an increasingly hostile political atmosphere under the present administration.
“This condemnable act is another incident in an ugly trend of muscling the opposition in Oyo State under Governor Seyi Makinde’s leadership.
“We understand that the loss of popularity is eating up Governor Makinde and Hon. Adekanmbi. Yet there is absolutely no reason to visit violence on opposition members in our state,” the organisation stated.
The SSACO further argued that democratic competition should be driven by policy alternatives, public engagement and the presentation of credible development programmes rather than intimidation and physical confrontation.
It cautioned the APM governorship candidate against allowing the conduct of alleged supporters to undermine peaceful political participation, insisting that no political party or individual should regard public institutions as exclusive territories.
Police urged to investigate, prosecute perpetrators
Beyond condemning the incident, the campaign organisation called on the Oyo State Commissioner of Police to investigate the allegations, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought before the law.
It stressed that the responsibility for maintaining public order and protecting citizens rests with security agencies, irrespective of the political affiliations of those involved.
The organisation also urged political leaders across party lines to discourage inflammatory rhetoric and actions capable of provoking confrontations among supporters.
“Governor Makinde and Adekanmbi should stop this provocation and follow the path of peaceful campaign. We urge them to embrace peace and focus on issues, not attacks.
“The SSACO calls on the Commissioner of Police to fish out these hoodlums and make them face the law.
“Oyo State belongs to us all, and no one should use government power to prevent opposition members from living a peaceful life,” the statement added.
