Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, has raised serious concerns over alleged attacks on his wife and other party candidates ahead of the 2023 general elections. In a statement issued by his campaign director, Bisi Oladele, Alli reported that his wife, Mrs. Tawakalitu Alli, was attacked during a political programme at Ibikunle Palace in Ibadan on Wednesday. The incident occurred amidst heightened security tensions in the state as election activities intensify.
The statement also revealed that hoodlums targeted two other APC candidates on the same day. Remi Oseni, the party’s senatorial candidate for Oyo South, and Hon. Folake Olunloyo-Oshinlowo, the House of Representatives candidate for Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, were both attacked at separate locations in Ibadan. These coordinated assaults have sparked alarm within the APC and among political observers across the state.
Alli condemned the attacks as unwarranted and barbaric, emphasizing the need for immediate action from security agencies. He stressed that Governor Seyi Makinde, as the chief security officer of Oyo State, bears the responsibility to ensure the safety of all residents, regardless of their political affiliations. “The SSACO calls on security agencies to fish out these perpetrators of violence and bring them to book,” Alli said, urging swift justice for the victims.
The statement highlighted the growing insecurity affecting political campaigns in the state, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures. With elections approaching, such incidents could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and deepen political divisions. The APC leadership has called for increased police presence and proactive intelligence gathering to prevent further violence.
The attacks come at a critical time when political parties are ramping up their campaign efforts. The APC, which is challenging the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, sees these assaults as attempts to intimidate its candidates and disrupt democratic processes. Security experts have warned that unchecked violence could escalate if perpetrators are not apprehended quickly.
As the state prepares for the upcoming polls, the incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced security protocols and inter-agency cooperation. The Nigerian Police Force, military, and other security bodies are under pressure to respond decisively to restore peace and protect the rights of all political actors. The outcome of this situation may influence voter turnout and overall electoral credibility in Oyo State.
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