The Imole Campaign Council, the political group backing Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke ahead of the August 15 governorship election, has accused suspected political thugs of destroying campaign billboards belonging to the Accord Party across several parts of the state.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council alleged that the incidents occurred in Irewole, Ayedaade, Irepodun, and Osogbo Local Government Areas.

The group claimed that the vandalism was carried out by individuals allegedly linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC), with support or negligence from some security operatives.

According to the statement, the attacks reportedly took place in the early hours of the day, targeting both Imole Campaign materials and Accord Party billboards.

Campaign Council Calls for Police Investigation

The council described the development as part of what it called a growing pattern of politically motivated violence in the state.

It called on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to launch a full investigation, insisting that those behind the destruction, including alleged sponsors, must be identified and prosecuted.

It further warned that the situation, if left unchecked, could threaten democratic participation and escalate political tension in the state.

The group also appealed to international observers, human rights organisations, and election monitoring bodies to take note of what it described as increasing intimidation in the Osun political space.

Despite the allegations, the council maintained that Governor Adeleke remained focused on governance and service delivery ahead of the election.

APC Rejects Allegations, Accuses State Government

Reacting to the claims, the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council dismissed the allegations as false, describing them as a diversionary tactic.

The Head of its Media and Publicity Committee, Oluremi Omowaiye, said the accusations were designed to mislead the public and shift attention from what he described as governance failures.

He instead alleged that APC campaign materials had been the primary target of destruction, claiming that political thugs linked to the state government were responsible.

Omowaiye also accused the Adeleke administration of engaging in propaganda and attempting to deflect attention from alleged financial mismanagement.

According to him, the opposition campaign remains focused despite what he described as repeated attempts to disrupt its activities.

As political tensions rise ahead of the Osun governorship election, both major camps continue to trade accusations, further heightening the already charged atmosphere in the state.