The camp of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has condemned the release of an All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly candidate who was allegedly arrested with a firearm.
The governor’s camp described the development as troubling, questioning the circumstances surrounding the candidate’s release and calling for transparency in the handling of the case.
The candidate was reportedly apprehended after allegedly being found in possession of a gun, sparking concerns among political stakeholders and residents ahead of the forthcoming elections.
In a statement, the Adeleke camp said the incident raised serious questions about public safety and the enforcement of Nigeria’s firearms laws.
It urged security agencies to provide a clear account of what happened, including the circumstances of the arrest, the firearm allegedly recovered and the reasons the suspect was subsequently released.
The camp also called on security authorities to ensure that political affiliations do not influence the investigation or prosecution of individuals accused of possessing firearms unlawfully.
It said all political actors must be held to the same standards under the law, stressing that the credibility of the electoral process depends on equal application of the law.
The APC candidate has not, however, been convicted of any offence, and the allegation remains subject to investigation by the relevant authorities.
The development is likely to fuel political tensions in Osun, where the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the APC remain major contenders in the state’s increasingly competitive political landscape.
