The Oyo State chapter of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) has called for investigation on an alleged attack on some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and distanced itself from the allegation.
APM urges investigation of alleged attack on APC members
The Presidential Coordinator and Director-General of the APM Governorship Campaign Council in Oyo State, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, stated this in a statement, on Friday.
Reacting to the allegation made by the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation, he stated that the attempt to link Oyo APM to the incident was unfounded.
Dr Adeniran urged the APC to look inward and address its internal challenges, rather than implicate other political parties in matters with which they have no connection.
He noted that Oyo APC has been grappling with a series of internal crises that could undermine public confidence in the party.
The therefore urged the leaders of the party to concentrate on resolving their differences and strengthening their political structure.
In a twist, the APM chieftain alleged that Oyo APC had assembled a faction of the proscribed National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to support its political activities.
This was as he insisted that the APM should not be held responsible for any incident involving such groups.
Dr. Adeniran called on security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the reported attack, identify those responsible and ensure that anyone found culpable was arrested and prosecuted, in accordance with the law.
He described APM as a law-abiding political party committed to democratic principles and peaceful political engagement.
This was as he added that the APM campaign ahead of the 2027 Oyo State Governorship Election was structured, issue-based, focusing on presenting credible alternatives to the electorate.
“Our campaign will be driven by ideas, policies and practical solutions to the challenges confronting the people of Oyo State.
“We have no interest in political violence, intimidation or any activity capable of threatening public peace. The APM does not support violence in any form.
“We believe that political contests should be determined by the quality of ideas, the credibility of candidates and the confidence of the electorate, not by violence or the activities of street-level political groups,” he stated.
Dr. Adeniran urged political parties and their supporters to exercise restraint, respect the rule of law and refrain from making allegations without verifiable evidence.
This was as he stressed that all stakeholders have a responsibility to ensure a peaceful political atmosphere in Oyo State.
He reaffirmed APM’s commitment to a peaceful, transparent and issue-driven campaign that places the welfare, security and development of the people at the centre of its political engagement.
The Oyo State Government had earlier described as false the allegation by the Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation that Governor ‘Seyi Makinde and Honourable Bimbo Adekanmbi were behind thuggery in the state.
It described the allegation as irresponsible, “directly contradicted by eyewitness accounts, which confirmed that the incidents being politicised arose from an internal dispute within the APC involving aggrieved members of the party.”
The state government stated in a release by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, that any attempt “to recast an intra-party conflict as government sponsored violence is a deliberate distortion of the truth.”
It recalled that, since Governor Makinde assumed office in 2019, Oyo State has witnessed a sustained decline in political thuggery and violent disruptions.
“This progress is the result of intentional and consistent policies: strengthening and professionalising Amotekun, expanding joint security patrols across all zones, investing in modern surveillance and response equipment, and maintaining close coordination with federal security agencies.
“The administration’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability makes the allegation not only untrue but entirely illogical.
“Furthermore, Governor Makinde’s administration enjoys broad public support across the state.
“A popular government has no reason or incentive to disrupt any opposition campaign. His focus remains firmly on governance, not political confrontation.
“Eyewitness accounts are clear: the individuals who attacked Alhaja Alli, Remi Oseni, and Hon. Funke Olunloyo-Osinowo were APC members caught in the middle of their party’s internal disagreements.
“These were cases of intra party crisis, not government-sponsored incidents,” the state government added in the release.
