The Osun State Government and the leadership of the Accord Party have raised the alarm over an alleged plan to deploy a special police squad to the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
They alleged that the squad would target prominent Accord Party members and some government officials for arrest before the election.
The allegation was contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi.
According to the statement, information available to the government and the Accord Party leadership indicated that the squad, allegedly led by a Chief Superintendent of Police whose name was withheld, was expected to arrive in Osun State and begin operations against selected party members and officials of government.
The government said the alleged operation could put the safety and security of Accord Party leaders and state officials at risk.
It also warned that any selective or partisan security operation ahead of the election could heighten political tension in the state.
The statement said such a move, if carried out, could expose government officials and Accord Party leaders to harassment, intimidation and unlawful arrests before and during the governorship election.
The Accord Party leadership further alleged that the special squad may have held meetings with leaders of the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.
It specifically alleged that discussions may have taken place with the APC governorship candidate, Mr Bola Oyebamiji, over logistics and operational arrangements for the planned deployment.
The statement also claimed that the alleged operation was being planned outside the knowledge of the Osun State Commissioner of Police.
The government described this as troubling, especially given the tense political atmosphere in the state ahead of the election.
“The information available to us suggests that this operation is targeted at prominent members of the Accord Party and some government officials. Such selective action can only worsen tension and create fear among citizens,” the statement said.
The Osun State Government and the Accord Party called on President Bola Tinubu, security agencies, civil society organisations and the international community to closely monitor developments in the state before the election.
They urged security agencies to remain neutral and avoid actions capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
The government also appealed to residents of the state to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant.