Threats of Violence Emerge Ahead of Osun State General Elections

Strategic Insights -

A video circulating on social media captures a senior member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Sarafa Awotunde, also known as Spain, threatening violence against opponents ahead of the general elections. In the video, Awotunde, a former chairman of the Ifelodun Local Government Area, vows to intimidate and assault members of other parties when they campaign in Ikirun.

Speaking in Yoruba, Awotunde claims his supporters will be responsible for any gunshots and assaults, saying "PDP, power." The video has sparked outrage, with the police spokesperson in the state confirming an investigation into the matter. However, the spokesperson to the state governor claims the video was doctored, with a superimposed voice added to make it appear as if Awotunde made the threatening remarks.

The Osun State Director of Media and Publicity for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kola Olabisi, condemned the threat of violence, calling for the arrest and prosecution of Awotunde. The APC leader accused the state police commissioner of colluding with the PDP to oppress APC members.

Key Takeaways:

  • A video has emerged where Sarafa Awotunde, a senior member of the PDP in Osun State, threatens violence against opponents ahead of the general elections.
  • Awotunde, a former chairman of the Ifelodun Local Government Area, vows to intimidate and assault members of other parties when they campaign in Ikirun.
  • The police spokesperson in the state has confirmed an investigation into the matter, while the spokesperson to the state governor claims the video was doctored.
  • The Osun State Director of Media and Publicity for the APC, Kola Olabisi, condemned the threat of violence and called for the arrest and prosecution of Awotunde.
  • The APC leader accused the state police commissioner of colluding with the PDP to oppress APC members.
  • The APC has vowed to resist any attempt by the PDP to govern the state through coercion and fraudulent means.

Statistics:

  • At least 1 senior member of the PDP in Osun State has made public threats of violence against opponents ahead of the general elections.
  • The Osun State PDP has a history of promoting violence and intimidation against opponents.
  • The state police commissioner has been accused of colluding with the PDP to oppress APC members.
  • At least 5 members of the APC have been killed unjustifiably and needlessly attacked in the state.

Sources:

  • [Nigerian news source][1]
  • [Punch newspaper article][2]

[1]: Nigerian news source

[2]: Punch newspaper article