One Dead, Several Injured: TICC Expresses Sympathy, Criticises APC Campaign Conduct
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) has expressed sympathy to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the families of victims involved in a tragic road accident that reportedly claimed the life of a party supporter and left several others injured in Ede, Osun State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council said it received news of the incident with “profound sadness,” describing the loss as heartbreaking and extending condolences to those affected.
According to the statement, a truck reportedly suffered brake failure and rammed into a procession of APC supporters who were mobilising ahead of a political rally scheduled to hold in Ede.
“Our campaign council is visibly shaken by reports that the accident involving a truck that lost its brakes recorded a fatality, while several other victims are in critical condition and receiving treatment at the hospital,” Olajengbesi said.
He added: “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family of the departed and everyone touched by the loss.”
The council prayed for the bereaved families and wished those receiving treatment a speedy recovery.
“In this moment of anguish and adversity, we hope that the families impacted find strength in the support and prayers of those around them and have the courage to overcome this period of pain. To those in critical condition and fighting for recovery in the hospital, our thoughts and prayers are with them, and we wish them quick recoveries,” the statement read.
TICC said the tragedy should unite political actors across party lines and reinforce the need for compassion and solidarity.
“As a campaign council, we are bound by our shared humanity to stand in solidarity with our fellow citizens affected by this tragedy, offering comfort to ease the burden of grief. It is our prayer that God prevents such occurrences and protects everyone, irrespective of party affiliations, before and after the governorship election,” the statement added.
However, the council criticised what it described as the response of the APC leadership and the AMBO Campaign Council to the incident.
“We are appalled that many hours after the unfortunate incident, the AMBO Campaign Council has not deemed it fit to honour the memory of the deceased APC member and the injured victims in any manner,” Olajengbesi said.
The council further alleged that APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, continued with political engagements in the same local government area where the accident occurred.
“Reports indicate that the APC candidate, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, continued his jamboree of inaugurating canvassers in the same local government where the tragedy occurred,” the statement claimed.
The council also took a swipe at APC Campaign Director-General, Oluwole Oke, alleging that he had failed to show sympathy to victims and grieving families.
“We do wonder if these individuals recognise the gravity of their conduct in the face of such tragic loss of lives involving people they hope to govern,” the statement said.
TICC maintained that continuing political celebrations while supporters and their families were mourning reflected a lack of empathy and compassion.
“We submit that singing and shouting party slogans when families are mourning as a result of an accident involving supporters amounts to a reckless display of cruelty and inhumanity, which further suggests that the APC candidate is unfit for leadership,” the statement concluded.