Adewale Egbedun, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, has called for the immediate arrest and investigation of Francis Eniade, the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives candidate for Ifelodun, Boripe and Odo-Otin Federal Constituency, over an alleged threat contained in a video ahead of Saturday’s Governorship election.
Addressing a press conference at the Assembly complex in Osogbo on Wednesday, Egbedun alleged that Eniade specifically mentioned his name in the video and issued threats against him and other eligible voters in the constituency who are not members or supporters of APC.
He said, ‘This is not merely political rhetoric that should be dismissed or ignored. It is a matter that raises serious concerns about threats to life, voter intimidation and the promotion of political violence ahead of the election.’
The speaker called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to immediately order Eniade’s arrest and investigation, particularly because, according to him, he was personally mentioned and threatened in the video.
Egbedun disclosed that his lawyers had already submitted a formal petition to the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant authorities, expressing optimism that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.
‘This is not about political persecution or vendetta; it is about protecting lives, enforcing the law and preserving the integrity of our democracy. No threat to life should be treated lightly, irrespective of the political party or individual involved.
‘Let me say this categorically: It will be totally resisted by the people through peace, vigilance, the law and the ballot box. Our people will not be intimidated into surrendering their constitutional rights. The police must act before threats become violence.
‘The appropriate law-enforcement authorities must investigate the allegations thoroughly and, where a criminal offence is established, take the necessary legal action without fear or favour,’ he said.
Egbedun urged residents not to allow threats or intimidation to prevent them from exercising their constitutional right to vote, calling on voters to come out peacefully and remain vigilant.
‘On Saturday, I urge every eligible voter who supports the re-election of Sen. (Dr.) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke to come out en masse and exercise that right. Your vote is your voice. Your vote is your power. Vote, don’t fight.
‘I assure you that we will continue to demand the protection of our people and the integrity of their votes through lawful and democratic means. Remain peaceful. Remain vigilant. Observe the process lawfully. Protect your vote with every lawful means. Your vote must count,’ he stated.