The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Olumide Egbedun, has called on security agencies to urgently investigate alleged threats of violence and voter intimidation ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

Egbedun made the call on Wednesday while addressing a world press conference, where he expressed concern over what he described as disturbing statements, threats and acts capable of undermining the peaceful conduct of the election.

The Speaker specifically raised concerns over alleged threats attributed to Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi and Francis Eniade, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo-Otin Federal Constituency, saying such statements should not be treated as ordinary political rhetoric.

According to him, Eniade allegedly mentioned his name in a video and issued threats against him and other eligible voters within the constituency.

Egbedun described the alleged threats as a serious matter capable of creating fear among voters and escalating political tensions in the state.

He said, “No political ambition is worth the life of one Osun citizen,” stressing that no politician or political party had the right to intimidate citizens because of their political choices.

The Speaker therefore appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Tunji Disu, to order an immediate investigation into the alleged threat, particularly because, according to him, he was personally mentioned in the video.

Egbedun disclosed that his lawyers had already submitted a formal petition to the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant authorities, expressing confidence that the matter would be investigated thoroughly.

He maintained that his demand for police action was not politically motivated, but aimed at protecting lives, enforcing the law and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.

“This is not about political persecution or vendetta; it is about protecting lives, enforcing the law and preserving the integrity of our democracy. No threat to life should be treated lightly, irrespective of the political party or individual involved,” he said.

The Speaker also challenged the police to demonstrate impartiality in handling allegations of electoral threats, asking whether the response would have been the same if similar threats had emanated from an Accord Party candidate or supporter.

He called for equal protection under the law, insisting that the Nigerian Police Force belongs to the people and must remain neutral in the contest between political parties.

Egbedun further urged security agencies to act before alleged threats degenerated into actual violence, saying perpetrators should face the law where investigations establish criminal offences.

Addressing voters across the state, the Speaker urged eligible voters not to be intimidated by threats or acts of harassment, but to come out peacefully and exercise their constitutional rights during Saturday’s election.

He particularly encouraged supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke to participate fully in the election, while all political actors and their supporters to remain peacefwere urged ul and law-abiding.

“Your vote is your voice. Your vote is your power. Vote, don’t fight,” Egbedun said.

He assured the people that democratic and lawful avenues would continue to be pursued to protect their rights and the integrity of their votes.

Egbedun concluded by urging residents to remain peaceful and vigilant throughout the electoral process, stressing that Osun State belongs to all its citizens and that the people must be allowed to choose their leaders without fear or intimidation.

Ends

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