Osun APC alleges political suppression over Adeleke’s billboard restriction

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised a directive allegedly issued by the Governor Ademola Adeleke-led administration restricting the erection of billboards by the party, describing it as oppressive, unlawful and an attempt to stifle opposition activities ahead of the next governorship election.

The APC Chairman in the state, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, in a statement issued by the party’s spokesman, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, accused the governor of misusing the power of incumbency to restrain the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), and President Bola Tinubu.

According to Lawal, the state government allegedly directed the Osun Signage Agency not to approve the erection or pasting of APC billboards in Osogbo, covering the axis from Akoda to the Osogbo City Stadium for a specified period leading to the election.

He further alleged that the government ordered the signage agency to identify owners of existing billboards across Osogbo and compensate them for a period of three years per billboard.

Lawal said the action could only be driven by fear of imminent defeat, accusing the Adeleke administration of adopting what he described as an unlawful and unpopular political strategy.

He added that the alleged attempt to restrain the APC candidate was not only bizarre but also undemocratic and would be resisted through lawful means.

Lawal also argued that the directive contradicts the regulations of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), formerly APCON, which is responsible for regulating advertising standards in the country.

The APC said it had placed security agencies in the state, including the police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on notice to monitor the situation and act when necessary.