The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed Governor Ademola Adeleke’s response to allegations that wanted criminals are being harboured in the Government House, describing it as evasive.
The party’s reaction followed comments reportedly made by the Inspector-General of Police during a visit to the Osun State Government House in Osogbo on Friday, where he was said to have referenced information suggesting that wanted criminals were being sheltered within the premises. Governor Adeleke has denied the allegation.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the APC’s Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Olabisi, the party maintained that the governor’s denial was unconvincing and alleged that some wanted individuals were being protected from arrest.
Olabisi argued that Adeleke’s response reflected what he described as a propaganda-driven administration. He also referred to a viral video allegedly showing a wanted suspect entering a room within the Government House, as well as photographs purportedly showing the governor with individuals the party described as political thugs.
He said the governor’s response failed to address the seriousness of the allegation and accused Adeleke of maintaining ties with individuals allegedly on the police watch list, claiming that some of them had been appointed into political positions.
The APC spokesman also criticised the conduct of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the Inspector-General’s visit, alleging that their behaviour at the Osun State Police Command was inappropriate.
Responding, the Director of Strategic Communication of the Imole Campaign Council, Jamiu Olawumi, dismissed the APC’s claims as baseless and politically motivated.
Olawumi argued that the allegations were an attempt to tarnish the image of both Governor Adeleke and the Nigeria Police Force, noting that police officers are permanently stationed at the Government House and would have reported any criminal activity if such claims were true.
He said suggesting that criminals were being sheltered within the Government House amounted to accusing the police of failing in their constitutional duty.
According to him, the APC was projecting the style of governance it allegedly practised while in power onto the current administration.
Olawumi further stated that Governor Adeleke had consistently maintained that no criminal should be protected, regardless of their relationship with him, adding that anyone found culpable should face the law.
He also called on the police to invite APC leaders behind the allegations for questioning to establish the facts, insisting that the claims were intended to mislead the public and attract political sympathy.
