Journalist and Politician, Michael Babatunde Abimboye, popularly known as “Omo-Ajonbadi,” has condemned what he described as coordinated political attacks and destruction of campaign materials across several parts of Osun State.
In a statement released on Friday, Abimboye decried the alleged vandalism of campaign billboards and promotional materials belonging to the Imole Campaign and the Accord Party in Irewole, Ayedaade, Ife, Irepodun and Oriade Local Government Areas.
Describing the incidents as “criminal acts aimed at intimidating voters and silencing opposition voices,” the media chieftain said the attacks represent a dangerous trend capable of undermining democratic values in the state.
“What we are witnessing in some parts of our dear state is not politics, it is criminality designed to intimidate voters and suppress opposition participation,” he stated. “The level of desperation being displayed shows a political camp that has lost touch with the people and now seeks to replace ideas with fear and destruction.”
Abimboye further argued that the growing political tension in Osun is linked to the popularity of the administration of Ademola Adeleke, insisting that the governor’s developmental projects and style of governance have continued to earn public support across the state.
According to him, “The people of Osun deserve better than this descent into political thuggery. When a party has no message, no plan, and no credible record to defend, violence becomes its only strategy.”
He, however, maintained that residents of Osun State are politically conscious and would resist attempts to intimidate them ahead of future elections.
“We will not allow desperate APC political actors to drag Osun into chaos simply because they fear the will of the people at the ballot box,” he added.
The politician also called on civil society organisations, election observers, human rights groups, and the international community to closely monitor political developments in Osun State, particularly incidents involving alleged intimidation and destruction of campaign property.
Abimboye reaffirmed the commitment of the Accord Party and “other progressive forces” to peaceful and issue-based politics, stressing that no amount of intimidation or destruction of campaign materials would derail the push for good governance in the state.
“Our people are watching, and history will judge those who choose violence over democracy and the will of the people,” the statement concluded.