APC Commends Police for Foiling Alleged Assassination Attempt on Osun Campaign Director-General
The All-Progressives Congress (APC) has praised the Nigeria Police Force for foiling an alleged assassination attempt on the Director-General of its Osun State governorship campaign, calling for a thorough investigation and prosecution of those behind the plot.
The All-Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the Nigeria Police Force for thwarting what it described as an assassination attempt on the Director-General of its Osun State Governorship Campaign Council, saying the swift intervention of security operatives prevented what could have been a major political tragedy.
In a statement issued on Friday, the ruling party applauded the professionalism of the police officers involved in the operation and urged security agencies to ensure that everyone connected with the alleged plot is thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The incident comes amid heightened political activities in Osun State ahead of the forthcoming governorship election, where parties have intensified campaigns across the state.
APC Hails Police Response
Reacting to the development, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka described the police action as timely and commendable.
According to the party, the swift response by law enforcement officers demonstrated the importance of intelligence gathering and proactive policing in preventing politically motivated violence.
The APC said security agencies deserved public support for acting promptly to avert a potentially deadly attack on one of the party's senior campaign officials.
"The Nigeria Police Force has once again shown its commitment to protecting lives and maintaining public order. We commend the officers involved for their professionalism and courage in foiling this alleged assassination attempt," the statement said.
Details of the Alleged Plot
Although police authorities have yet to release comprehensive details of the incident, preliminary reports indicate that the alleged assassination attempt targeted the Director-General of the APC governorship campaign during ongoing political activities in Osun State.
Security operatives reportedly acted on intelligence before intercepting individuals suspected of planning the attack.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the alleged plot, the identities of all those involved, and whether the incident was politically motivated.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed the names of suspects or indicated whether formal charges have been filed.
Call for Thorough Investigation
The APC urged security agencies not to treat the matter as an isolated incident but to conduct a comprehensive investigation capable of exposing everyone connected to the alleged conspiracy.
The party stressed that political competition should never descend into violence, intimidation or attempts.
It also called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that those responsible are prosecuted without delay if sufficient evidence is established.
According to the APC, allowing politically motivated crimes to go unpunished could undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
Appeal for Peaceful Campaigns
The ruling party used the opportunity to appeal to all political parties and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully.
It urged politicians to focus on presenting their programmes and policies to voters rather than engaging in acts capable of threatening lives or destabilizing the electoral process.
The APC maintained that elections should be contests of ideas and not occasions for violence or criminal activities.
Party leaders further encouraged supporters to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies whenever suspicious activities are observed.
Police Reaffirm Commitment to Security
The Nigeria Police Force has repeatedly assured Nigerians of its determination to provide adequate security before, during and after elections across the country.
In recent months, police commands in several states have increased surveillance, intelligence gatherings and patrols around campaign venues, government facilities and other strategic locations.
Security experts note that election periods often require heightened vigilance due to the possibility of politically motivated attacks, clashes between rival supporters and other security threats.
The successful disruption of the alleged plot, according to observers, demonstrates the importance of preventive policing and intelligence-led operations.
Political Tensions in Osun
Osun State remains one of Nigeria's politically active states, with the forthcoming governorship election expected to attract significant national attention.
Both the APC and opposition parties have intensified consultations, rallies and grassroots mobilization in preparation for the polls.
Political analysts have warned that increasing political rhetoric should not be allowed to fuel violence, emphasizing the need for parties to respect democratic principles and existing electoral laws.
Civil society organizations have also continued to call on political leaders to caution their supporters against hate speech, intimidation and violence throughout the campaign period.
Stakeholders Urge Calm
Election observers and community leaders have appealed to residents of Osun State to remain peaceful while allowing security agencies to complete their investigations into the alleged assassination plot.
They noted that premature conclusions or politically charged accusations could inflame tensions before authorities establish the full facts surrounding the incident.
Several groups also encouraged all political actors to cooperate with investigators and avoid actions capable of disrupting public peace.
Importance of Election Security
Political violence has remained a recurring concern during election cycles in parts of Nigeria, prompting security agencies to adopt more proactive measures to prevent attacks on candidates, campaign officials and voters.
Experts believe that effective intelligence gathering, rapid response capabilities and impartial law enforcement are critical to ensuring credible elections.
The APC said it remains confident that security agencies will continue to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour while protecting all political actors regardless of party affiliation.
As investigations continue, attention will remain focused on the findings of the police and any legal action that may follow against individuals linked to the alleged assassination attempt.
With the Osun governorship election drawing closer, stakeholders across the political spectrum continue to emphasize that peaceful campaigns, respect for the rule of law and effective security remain essential for a credible democratic process.