SSACO demands impartial investigation into killing of APC member, attacks on opposition figures in Ibadan
The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has challenged Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, to ensure that allegations of political violence in the state are thoroughly investigated, urging them to allow security agencies to identify and prosecute anyone found responsible for the reported killing of an APC member and attacks on opposition figures in Ibadan.
The organisation’s demand followed a response by the Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi Campaign Organisation, which accused SSACO and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State of implicating APM supporters in the killing of Ridwan Adeyemi and attacks on Mrs. Tawakalit Alli, wife of APC governorship candidate Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Hon. Remi Oseni and Hon. Folake Olunloyo-Oshinowo on October 7.
Reacting through its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, SSACO rejected the criticism of its earlier warning about political violence, arguing that raising concerns over the safety of political candidates, party members and other residents should not be interpreted as an attempt to undermine security investigations.
“It is strange that Hon. Adekanmbi Campaign Organisation can put up a shameless argument that warning Governor Makinde and Hon. Adekanmbi against foisting violence on the people of Oyo State is senseless and irresponsible,” the statement said.
SSACO questioned the reasoning behind the suggestion that public complaints about political violence could compromise the work of security agencies or allow criminals to disguise their activities as politically motivated attacks. It maintained that public concern over the reported incidents should reinforce the demand for accountability rather than discourage political organisations from speaking about the safety of their members.
The campaign organisation accused the APM in Oyo State of responding to allegations of violence with what it described as attempts to explain away responsibility. It alleged that earlier reactions had included claims that APC members were attacking their own candidates and supporters, while subsequent responses questioned the evidence linking suspected perpetrators to the APM.
SSACO insisted that the appropriate response was to cooperate with law enforcement authorities and allow investigations to establish the facts surrounding the reported incidents.
“We challenge Governor Makinde and Hon. Adekanmbi to stop shielding their attack dogs from facing the law. They should allow security agencies fish out the killers and attackers within the APM instead of faulting APC’s cries,” Oladele stated.
The organisation further alleged that suspected perpetrators were emboldened by political leaders and their financial backers. It urged those in positions of influence to discourage violence and ensure that party supporters understood that political affiliation offered no justification for criminal conduct.
The allegations against APM supporters and the claim that political figures were shielding suspected perpetrators were made by SSACO. The statement did not establish the identities or affiliations of those responsible for the reported incidents, leaving such questions to be determined through investigation and due process.
Turning to the wider implications for political participation in Oyo State, SSACO warned that the reported incidents raised concerns about the ability of candidates and their supporters to exercise their democratic rights without fear of intimidation or physical attacks.
“No resident deserves to die or be attacked because of party affiliation or political choice,” the organisation declared.
It also reminded Governor Makinde that he contested and won the 2019 governorship election as an opposition candidate, arguing that the political environment should remain peaceful enough for candidates from different parties to campaign and seek the support of voters.
According to SSACO, protecting political freedoms requires leaders to respect opposing views, discourage attacks and demonstrate that the law applies equally to all individuals, regardless of their political connections.
The organisation called on Makinde and Adekanmbi to reflect on their responses to the controversy and support efforts to maintain peace as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“No political ambition is worth the life of an Oyo State indigene and resident,” the statement emphasised, adding that no amount of intimidation could legitimately override the people’s right to determine their political future through the ballot box.
SSACO also reiterated its support for Senator Alli, presenting the APC candidate’s Oyo-AHEAD agenda as the policy framework through which he intends to pursue his political ambitions. It maintained that the 2027 elections should provide an opportunity for voters to assess candidates on their proposals, records and commitment to public service.
The dispute reflects an intensifying exchange between rival political camps in Oyo State over allegations of violence, responsibility for attacks and the need to protect political actors. The competing claims surrounding the October 7 incidents underscore the importance of a transparent investigation capable of distinguishing substantiated evidence from partisan allegations.
SSACO concluded by calling for a peaceful political environment in which residents can support candidates of their choice without intimidation. It urged security agencies to investigate the reported killing and attacks independently, establish the facts and take appropriate legal action against anyone found culpable.
