Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore has criticised President Bola Tinubu and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke following the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.
Sowore alleged that violence linked to the election resulted in the deaths of nearly 50 people before and during the exercise. However, his claim has not been independently established in the information available in the report, and he did not provide a breakdown of the alleged casualties.
In a statement shared on social media, Sowore questioned the circumstances surrounding the deaths and called for investigations into what happened during the election period.
He also criticised Governor Adeleke for declaring his support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid, arguing that political considerations appeared to have taken precedence over the loss of lives allegedly associated with the election.
According to Sowore, the families of those who died deserve answers about the circumstances surrounding their deaths and whether anyone would be held accountable.
## Adeleke Explains His Support for Tinubu
Governor Adeleke, meanwhile, has explained why he intends to support President Tinubu if the president seeks another term in office.
Speaking during an interview with Channels Television after being declared the winner of the Osun governorship election, Adeleke said his decision was influenced by Tinubu being a Yoruba man from the South-West.
The governor also said he wanted the president to have the opportunity to continue with some of the infrastructure and economic reforms initiated by his administration.
Adeleke denied having any political agreement with Tinubu in exchange for support.
“I never reach an agreement with President Tinubu,” Adeleke said, explaining that his position was based on his desire to support a president from the South-West.
He also urged Tinubu to ensure that the region benefits from federal infrastructure projects, particularly road construction.
## Adeleke Says He Will Support Tinubu ‘Big Time’
When asked whether he would actively campaign for Tinubu’s re-election, Adeleke gave an emphatic response.
“Big time,” the governor said.
He further indicated that his political cooperation could extend to people he defeated during the Osun governorship election, explaining that such cooperation would be aimed at supporting the president.
Adeleke’s comments have generated reactions because of the political differences between the Peoples Democratic Party, under which he contested the Osun election, and the All Progressives Congress led at the federal level by Tinubu.
## Sowore Demands Answers Over Alleged Election Violence
Sowore’s reaction has placed renewed attention on the broader issue of violence during Nigerian elections.
While political disagreements and allegations are common after elections, claims involving loss of life require independent investigation and credible evidence before responsibility can be established.
The key questions raised by Sowore include the actual number of people who died, the circumstances of their deaths, whether the deaths were directly connected to the election and whether security agencies have opened investigations.
Authorities and relevant electoral and security institutions would need to provide verified information to establish the facts surrounding any reported casualties.
The controversy also highlights the tension that can arise when political alliances cross party lines, particularly when politicians who contested against one another subsequently announce plans to cooperate.
For now, Adeleke maintains that his support for Tinubu is based on regional and developmental considerations, while Sowore continues to question the political circumstances surrounding the election and alleged violence.
