The Osun State Governorship Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress has called for a thorough investigation into the death of a woman, Taliat Simbiat, during the Accord Party primary election for the Ayedire/Iwo/Olaoluwa Federal Constituency held in Iwo, Osun State.
The APC alleged that violence erupted during the exercise, resulting in injuries, destruction of property and the death of the party supporter.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Head of the council’s Media and Publicity Committee, Remi Omowaiye, the party expressed concern over what it described as widespread disorder that reportedly accompanied the primary election.
According to Omowaiye, information gathered from different parts of the state indicated that the exercise was marred by violence, leaving several people injured.
He noted that party primaries should serve as a democratic platform where members freely choose their candidates, rather than becoming scenes of unrest.
Omowaiye further claimed that several Accord Party members and residents sustained varying degrees of injuries during the exercise, while fatalities were also reported.
He specifically alleged that Simbiat, a resident of Ward 3 in Iwo, lost her life amid the disturbances, adding that at least 30 other persons were reportedly injured.
The APC campaign council consequently urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to support security agencies in identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the alleged violence.
The council maintained that justice must be served and warned against shielding anyone involved, irrespective of political affiliation or status.
However, the state government dismissed claims that the deceased was killed during the primary election.
In a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke expressed condolences to the family of the deceased, stating that Simbiat reportedly slumped and died during the event.
The governor described her death as a painful loss, noting that she was a loyal supporter and one of the administration’s prominent advocates in Iwo and surrounding communities.
Adeleke said news of her passing deeply saddened him, adding that her contributions to society and political development would be remembered.
He prayed for the repose of her soul and urged her family and associates to find strength in the midst of the tragedy.
The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to peaceful political engagement and commended Accord Party members for what he described as their peaceful conduct throughout the primary process.
Rejecting allegations that his administration protects political thugs, Adeleke insisted that his political career has always been guided by peace and respect for the rule of law.
He argued that those making accusations against his government were themselves known for using violence to achieve political objectives, stressing that the people of Osun were well aware of the facts surrounding political activities in the state.