Probe alleged arms procurement plot by Osun govt, APC tells Tinubu, DSS
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the Department of State Services (DSS) and security chiefs to launch a comprehensive investigation into an alleged plot by the Osun State Government to procure N2 billion worth of weapons ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The party made the call in a statement issued by the Head of Media and Publicity Committee of the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council, Engr. Omowaiye Oluremi.
According to him, about N500 million had already been released as part of the funds earmarked for the proposed procurement, alleging that Amotekun was being used as a cover for the distribution of the weapons.
Explaining the basis for the party’s concerns, Omowaiye said previous incidents of election-related violence in the state had heightened fears ahead of the forthcoming poll.
“Our concern is heightened by the recent unpalatable experience of the APC, where no fewer than 30 members of our party were gruesomely murdered by thugs linked to Governor Adeleke and his party, PDP/Accord, in the run-up to the 2022 governorship and 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections.
“Our concern is further heightened by the accusation that suspected criminals on the police wanted list, such as Lekan Emir Ajagungbade and Nurudeen Alowonle, are being sheltered in the Government House, Okefia, by officials of the state government,” he said.
Omowaiye maintained that elections should be conducted through democratic engagement and popular support rather than violence or intimidation.
“Democracy is sustained through persuasion, performance and popular support — not through intimidation, fear or the deployment of force,” he stated.
He added that Governor Ademola Adeleke should seek re-election on the basis of his record in office and the confidence of the electorate, not through backdoor tactics or violence.
