The Imole Campaign Council, backing Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has raised the alarm over the reported deployment of armed security personnel to the residence of the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, on election day.
Campaign spokesperson Pelumi Olajengbesi alleged in a statement that more than 10 black Hilux vehicles arrived at the Speaker’s residence, after which armed personnel surrounded and sealed off the premises.
The council further claimed that occupants were prevented from leaving the residence, raising concerns about possible restrictions on Egbedun’s movement as voters across Osun State head to the polls.
Police calls go unanswered as campaign seeks clarity
The purpose of the security deployment remains unclear. The campaign council noted that it had not independently established whether operatives were deployed for routine security duties or another operation.
The council attempted to contact the Commissioner of Police overseeing the election, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police coordinating election security, and the police Situation Room for clarification. However, it reported that its calls were either unanswered or unsuccessful.
The council urged security authorities to explain the deployment immediately, insisting that Osun State voters should be allowed to participate in the election without fear, intimidation, or interference.
Unanswered questions follow security crackdown
The development comes amid heightened security concerns surrounding Saturday’s election. Police authorities previously imposed a 42-hour restriction on movement as part of security measures announced for the poll.
The key question remains why security forces surrounded the Speaker’s residence and who ordered the deployment. Security authorities have yet to provide public clarification regarding the Adeleke campaign’s concerns.