The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has alleged that Dele Ayegbo, nephew of the party’s governorship campaign Director-General, Wole Oke, was killed in Esa-Oke ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The allegation has further heightened tension in the state just days before voters are scheduled to elect their next governor.
According to reports, Ayegbo was allegedly shot dead on Wednesday night near his residence in the Idofin area of Esa-Oke, in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State.
The Osun APC condemned the incident and alleged that supporters linked to the Accord Party were responsible.
However, the allegation remains a claim by the APC and should not be treated as an established fact without the outcome of an investigation by law enforcement authorities.
The party called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ayegbo’s death and urged security agencies to ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
The incident comes against the backdrop of an increasingly tense political atmosphere ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Political parties have traded accusations over alleged intimidation, violence and inflammatory rhetoric in the run-up to the poll.
The latest allegation has further intensified concerns about the security of voters, political party members and campaign officials as the election approaches.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported killing and determine those responsible.
The APC has meanwhile continued its final mobilisation ahead of Saturday’s election, while other political parties have also urged their supporters to remain peaceful.