Accord Spokesperson Olajengbesi Votes in Ijebu-Jesa, Alleges Midnight Military Raids in Osun

By Joseph Sunday

The Spokesperson for the Accord Party, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has cast his vote at Ward 3, Unit 4, Ijebu-Jesa in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State.

Speaking with journalists after voting, Olajengbesi alleged that military officers carried out overnight arrests across the state.

“Just around midnight, some military officers led by people loyal to the APC, who is the security officer attached to a Senegalese father-in-law, were moving across the state arresting people. He arrested people in Iloko, also the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs and he was detained at one of their military facilities in Ede,” he said.

Olajengbesi said while the military remains a globally respected institution, the conduct of the officers involved raises suspicion of compromise.

He also alleged attacks on Accord Party members, claiming that some individuals were openly brandishing machetes and guns and intimidating even police officers.

“It is actually a very, very sad narrative that is happening in Osun State,” he said.

He, however, noted that the exercise had been peaceful in his ward and local government, and commended the conduct of security personnel deployed to the area.

According to him, the party had received intelligence of a planned invasion of the area between 11 a.m. and 12 noon, adding that party members had been put on alert to resist any attempt to disrupt the process.

“We are going to wait for them, because this election is the people’s election. We must vote and protect our votes,” he stated.

Olajengbesi urged residents of Osun State to maintain peace, noting that the state had long been known for peace until the recent spate of electoral violence that has claimed lives.

He welcomed the state government’s plan to set up an independent panel of inquiry on Monday to investigate electoral violence and ensure justice and compensation for victims.

He also referred to an earlier statement in which he alleged that at about 4:30 a.m., about 15 trucks of security operatives surrounded the residence of the Speaker of the House, Hon. Egbedun, for almost two hours before top military officers intervened.

“The Nigerian Army is not known for things like that. This Osun election is critical. This election is important to Nigeria, important to the whole world because it precedes the 2027 election. The President himself has directed that all circumstances must be put in place to ensure that the election is peaceful, free and fair,” he said.

He called for a credible poll that will give the people of Osun State the opportunity to elect a leader of their choice.