The Osun State Governorship Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress has called for a thorough investigation into the death of a woman, Taliat Simbiat, during the Accord Party’s primary election for the Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency, held in Iwo on Sunday.
The APC campaign council alleged that the primary election was marred by violence and destruction of property, resulting in injuries and loss of life.
In a statement issued by the Head of the council’s Media and Publicity Committee, Remi Omowaiye, the party expressed concern over reports of unrest that reportedly accompanied the exercise across parts of the state.
Omowaiye said internal party primaries should serve as a democratic platform for members to freely elect their representatives, rather than becoming scenes of violence.
According to him, reports available to the council indicated that several Accord Party members and other residents sustained varying degrees of injuries during the exercise, while at least one life was lost.
The APC chieftain specifically cited the death of Taliat Simbiat, said to be from Ward 3 in Iwo, alleging that she died during the violence. He further claimed that no fewer than 30 persons suffered injuries in the local government area.
The opposition party urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to cooperate fully with security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the incident are identified, arrested and prosecuted.
However, Governor Adeleke dismissed suggestions that the deceased was killed during political violence, stating that she slumped and died during the primary election.
In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and described her as a committed supporter whose contributions to the party and society would be greatly missed.
Adeleke said the news of her death was deeply painful and prayed for the repose of her soul, while asking God to grant her family the strength to bear the loss.
The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to peaceful political engagement and commended Accord Party members for what he described as their orderly conduct throughout the primary election.
Responding to allegations that his administration shields political thugs, Adeleke rejected the claims, insisting that his political career has always been guided by peace and respect for the rule of law.
He argued that those accusing his government of encouraging violence were attempting to distort facts, maintaining that his administration remains committed to promoting stability and peaceful coexistence across the state.
The incident has sparked fresh political exchanges between the ruling administration and the opposition in Osun State, with calls mounting for a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.
