The Adeleke Campaign Council has raised concerns over the alleged deployment of armed security personnel to the residence of the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, on Saturday, the day of the state’s governorship election.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council said more than 10 black Hilux vehicles carrying armed personnel reportedly arrived at the Speaker’s residence and surrounded the premises.
According to the campaign council, the residence was subsequently sealed off, with people inside allegedly prevented from leaving.
The council, however, said it could not independently verify the purpose of the deployment or determine whether the personnel were providing security or carrying out official duties.
It called on the relevant security authorities to immediately explain the reason for the deployment and the reported restriction of movement at the residence.
Olajengbesi said attempts to contact the Commissioner of Police responsible for election security in Osun State and the Deputy Inspector-General of Police overseeing the election were unsuccessful. He also said efforts to reach the Police Situation Room failed, as the publicly provided telephone number was switched off.
The campaign council urged security agencies to conduct their operations in a manner that would prevent fear and intimidation among residents and protect the integrity of the electoral process.
“On this Election Day, the people of Osun State deserve an atmosphere free from fear and intimidation. Security deployments must inspire confidence and protect the integrity of the electoral process,” the council said.
It also appealed to residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding while awaiting clarification from the security authorities.
“The people of Osun State must be allowed to come out peacefully and decide their future according to their own conscience, without intimidation or interference,” the statement added.
