Concerns over the absence of two major political parties dominated discussions at a Nigeria Police-organised stakeholders’ peace meeting in Osogbo on Wednesday as preparations intensify for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

Representatives of smaller political parties criticised the failure of the ruling Accord and the All Progressives Congress, APC, to attend the meeting organised by the Osun State Police Command and other security agencies.

The gathering brought together political parties, electoral officials and security stakeholders, who used the forum to advocate peaceful conduct before, during and after the election.

Several participants expressed worries that the absence of the two parties could undermine efforts aimed at promoting a violence-free electoral process in the state.

Speaking at the meeting, the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, Adewale Adebayo, described the boycott as troubling, noting that the parties involved should have participated in discussions designed to foster peace.

“It is scary that the two political parties that have been fingered at one point or another for killing, maiming and harassing each other’s supporters are not here. They need to be here to agree to the terms of peace,” he said.

He added that the APM would continue to work with security agencies to support a peaceful and credible election in Osun State.

The Chairman of the BOOT Party in Osun, Prince Adesoji Adeleke, also faulted the absence of the Accord and the APC, arguing that their participation was essential to the success of the peace initiative.

“The two political parties causing the problem for us in the state are not here. This is disgusting. What is the essence of our sitting here? They know what they plan for themselves ahead of the election,” he said.

Earlier, Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan urged political actors to conduct their campaigns responsibly and cooperate with security agencies throughout the electoral period.

Gotan said parties and candidates should notify the police and other security agencies before holding rallies, processions or political gatherings to enable adequate security arrangements and prevent possible clashes.

“Early notification will enable security agencies to deploy personnel effectively, provide adequate security coverage, manage traffic, prevent clashes, and ensure the safety of participants as well as members of the public,” he said.

He also warned against the destruction of opponents’ campaign materials.

Also addressing participants, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Osun State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, expressed concern over recent violence in the state, saying incidents that resulted in loss of lives had created fear among residents and political stakeholders. 

She urged parties, candidates and supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns, reject hate speech and misinformation, and respect the rule of law throughout the election period.

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.