Accord Faults APC Over Owode-Ede Violence, Demands Impartial Investigation
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Osun State chapter of the Accord Party has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of politicising recent security disturbances in Owode-Ede, calling on security agencies to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the incidents.
In a statement signed by its State Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, the party criticised the APC for allegedly attempting to portray Owode-Ede as a political flashpoint while assigning blame for the unrest before the conclusion of any official investigation.
According to the party, while violence should be condemned by all responsible citizens, it is inappropriate for any political party to draw conclusions ahead of findings by security agencies.
“The APC has once again chosen the path of political propaganda rather than allowing security agencies to professionally establish the facts surrounding recent events,” Akande said.
He described the APC’s statement on the disturbances as being filled with assumptions and politically motivated allegations targeted at Governor Ademola Adeleke and the people of Ede.
“Such reckless generalisations do nothing to promote peace and only serve to inflame tensions among citizens who have lived together peacefully for decades,” he stated.
The Accord chairman also questioned the APC’s claim of innocence, pointing to reports and video clips circulating in the public domain which allegedly show vehicles branded in the colours of the party’s governorship campaign in the company of individuals linked to APC political interests.
“There have also emerged credible claims linking some of the actors involved in the recent disturbances to political elements connected to the state APC. If the APC is genuinely interested in justice, it should welcome a comprehensive investigation into these allegations rather than rushing to convict others through press statements,” he said.
Akande argued that matters relating to security should not be reduced to partisan debates, stressing that the responsibility for determining culpability rests with law enforcement agencies.
“It is astonishing that a party demanding police action has already appointed itself investigator, prosecutor and judge. Security matters are too important to be reduced to partisan talking points. The duty of determining culpability belongs to law enforcement agencies, not political parties seeking headlines,” he added.
The party further warned against attempts to stigmatise the people of Owode-Ede or Ede over the disturbances, noting that such actions could deepen political tensions in the state.
“The people of Osun State have not forgotten the history of politically motivated tensions that have periodically surfaced in our democratic journey. Any attempt to demonise an entire community such as Owode-Ede or to stigmatise Ede people for political gain must be firmly rejected by all lovers of peace and democracy,” the statement read.
Accord called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to conduct a transparent investigation into the disturbances and ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice regardless of their political affiliation.
The party also urged security agencies to investigate what it described as hideouts of political thugs, including Kabtok Hotel and other locations allegedly linked to acts of violence in the state.
“Osun people deserve security, not propaganda. They deserve facts, not political theatre. Above all, they deserve leaders who place peace above partisan advantage,” Akande said.
He urged the APC to submit any evidence it possesses to the appropriate authorities and allow due process to take its course.
“Resorting to sensational accusations and attempts to weaponise public sentiment will neither promote peace nor absolve anyone found culpable by due process,” he added.