The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Imole Campaign Council of Governor Ademola Adeleke have exchanged accusations over alleged prisoner releases and rising political tension ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The APC campaign council alleged that Governor Adeleke recently used his constitutional prerogative of mercy to release suspected criminals, claiming the move was aimed at destabilizing the state before the election.
A director in the APC council, Adebayo Adeleke, said some of those allegedly freed were facing serious charges, including murder, and accused the governor of endangering public safety.
He also claimed intelligence reports suggested planned attacks on APC members, allegedly involving security operatives.
However, the Imole Campaign Council dismissed the allegations as false and politically motivated. Its Deputy Director-General, Kolapo Alimi, said the governor had not exercised the prerogative of mercy in the past two years.
Available records show that the Osun State government has previously granted clemency to convicted inmates as part of routine constitutional powers, often based on recommendations from advisory bodies and typically involving inmates who had served significant portions of their sentences or committed minor offences.
The Adeleke camp also raised concerns over security in the state, accusing the police of harassment and bias against opposition figures. It called on the Inspector-General of Police to publicly assure residents of a free, fair, and violence-free election.
With both camps trading allegations, political tensions appear to be rising as Osun heads into a closely watched governorship poll.
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