Political tensions in Osun State intensified on Wednesday as the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Imole Campaign Council exchanged accusations following separate incidents that claimed lives and left several people injured ahead of the governorship election.

The latest exchanges came after the death of an Accord Party member, Ajayi Aderogba, popularly known as Rogba, in Esa-Oke, Obokun Local Government Area, on Tuesday, and a separate road accident involving APC supporters travelling for a political rally in Ede on Wednesday.

A member of the House of Representatives and Director-General of the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council, Oluwole Oke, rejected allegations linking him and the APC to Aderogba’s killing during preparations for a political event supporting Governor Ademola Adeleke’s second-term bid.

The accusation was first made by the spokesperson for the Adeleke Campaign Organisation and Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, who alleged that Oke had attempted to frustrate the political programme in Esa-Oke and was connected to the incident that led to Aderogba’s death.

Responding through his media aide, Tunde Omolebi-Sunday, Oke described the allegations as false, premature and unsupported by evidence, insisting that neither he nor the APC had any involvement in the killing.

“Such conclusions, made without any credible investigation or report from security agencies, are not only premature but deeply irresponsible. Oke and the APC had no connection whatsoever to the death and urged security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation,” the statement said.

The lawmaker also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and called on residents and political actors to allow investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Meanwhile, the Imole Campaign Council issued a separate statement mourning APC supporters involved in a truck accident on their way to a rally in Ede, describing the development as tragic and extending sympathies to the bereaved families and injured victims.

The council said it was “profoundly saddened” by reports that a truck allegedly suffered brake failure and rammed into a procession of APC supporters, resulting in one fatality and leaving several others receiving treatment in hospital.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family of the departed and everyone touched by the loss. The council wishes those injured a speedy recovery and prays against a recurrence of such incidents,” it stated.

However, the council criticised the conduct of the APC campaign organisation after the accident, alleging that party leaders continued political activities despite the loss of lives.

It also referenced allegations previously made against Oke regarding the death of the Accord Party member in Esa-Oke.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has said it welcomes criticism but will not tolerate what it described as false and defamatory claims against its leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

In a statement issued on Wednesday night to DAILY POST, its spokesperson, Habeeb Sale Mohammed, stressed that while democratic engagement allows for differing opinions, there must be a clear distinction between constructive criticism and deliberate falsehood.

“We are open to criticism, but not lies,” the statement said, noting that political leaders are expected to face scrutiny in a democratic society.

The movement said it believes in freedom of expression and the right of Nigerians to hold and express political views.

The statement added that it welcomes criticism when it is constructive, factual and aimed at strengthening democratic culture.

It, however, warned against the spread of what it called malicious allegations.

“There is a clear distinction between legitimate political criticism and the deliberate publication of falsehoods designed to deceive the public, damage reputations, incite hatred or create divisions,” the statement added.

The group said Senator Kwankwaso, who has spent decades in public service, has always shown tolerance and maturity in handling criticism and opposition.

“Neither Senator Kwankwaso nor the Kwankwasiyya Movement is afraid of criticism or political opposition,” it said.

But it maintained that it would not remain silent in the face of what it described as deliberate lies and character assassination.

“We will not fold our arms and watch individuals deliberately manufacture lies, spread malicious allegations or engage in character assassination under the guise of political commentary,” the statement said.

The movement warned that those spreading false claims should be ready to defend them through legal means.

“Any individual or group that intentionally disseminates false and malicious allegations against our leader should be prepared to defend such claims through lawful and appropriate channels,” it said.

It added that freedom of expression comes with responsibility.

“Public discourse must be guided by facts, evidence and honesty. Democracy cannot thrive where falsehood is elevated above truth,” the statement noted.

The movement also stressed that no individual is above the law, regardless of status or position.

“No individual is above the law. No office is too high. No position is too influential. Whether the source of the falsehood is a politician, a cleric, a traditional ruler, a media personality or any other public figure, we shall not hesitate to pursue every lawful remedy available to protect the integrity, reputation and dignity of our leader and our movement,” it added.

The statement further noted that since his emergence as vice-presidential candidate of the NDC, Kwankwaso has been working to build alliances across the country.

It highlighted his relationship with the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, saying their collaboration has inspired hope among Nigerians seeking credible leadership.

“It is not surprising that the growing acceptance of Senator Kwankwaso and the rapid rise of the NDC have become a source of concern to some political interests,” the statement said.

The group accused some individuals of resorting to misinformation and personal attacks instead of engaging in healthy political competition.

“Such malicious and unprovoked attacks will neither distract us nor discourage us from pursuing our vision for a more prosperous and united Nigeria,” it added.

The statement comes in the wake of remarks by Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder and head of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, who allegedly made comments during a sermon questioning Kwankwaso’s relationship with Peter Obi.

Ayodele was reported to have said, “Kwankwaso is a fake to Obi, Kwankwaso will betray you. Kwankwaso has been paid to be vice president to Obi.”

Following the comments, Kwankwaso, who is the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), reportedly threatened to institute a N10 billion defamation suit against the cleric over the alleged remarks.

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), on Wednesday received his Certificate of Return as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 Benue State governorship election.

The certificate was presented at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, following his emergence as the party’s flagbearer for the poll.

Aondoakaa was accompanied by his running mate, Dr. Oyije Ochaekiti Ogbenjuwa, alongside top PDP leaders and stakeholders from Benue State.

Speaking shortly after receiving the certificate, the senior advocate thanked the leadership and members of the PDP for entrusting him with the party’s ticket.

He pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him by working towards uniting the party and mobilizing support ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

“I will not take this mandate for granted. Together, we will build a stronger and more united PDP capable of reclaiming Benue State in 2027,” he said.

The event also saw the presentation of a Certificate of Return to former First Lady of Benue State, Dr. Eunice Ortom, who emerged as the PDP senatorial candidate for Benue North-West Senatorial District (Zone B).

Aondoakaa and Ortom were among several PDP candidates from across the country who received their certificates of return during the ceremony.