The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council in Osun State has called for a thorough investigation into the death of a woman, Taliat Simbiat, during the Accord Party primary election held in Iwo, Osun State.
The APC made the demand on Sunday through a statement issued by the Head of the Media and Publicity Committee of the Governorship Campaign Council, Remi Omowaiye.
According to Omowaiye, violence and destruction allegedly marred the Accord Party primary conducted for the Ayedire/Iwo/Olaoluwa Federal Constituency, resulting in injuries and the reported loss of lives.
He alleged that disturbing reports emerging from different parts of the state indicated that the exercise was accompanied by chaos and bloodshed.
“Internal party primaries are expected to be a celebration of democracy and an opportunity for members to freely choose their representatives,” Omowaiye said.
“According to reports available to us, several members of the Accord Party and innocent citizens have suffered varying degrees of injuries, while lives have reportedly been lost as a result of the violence that accompanied the exercise,” he added.
The APC spokesperson specifically mentioned the death of Taliat Simbiat, identified as a resident of Ward 3 in Iwo, claiming she lost her life during the violence that erupted at the venue of the primaries.
Omowaiye further alleged that no fewer than 30 persons sustained serious injuries during the incident.
The APC Campaign Council subsequently called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to cooperate fully with security agencies in ensuring that those responsible for the alleged violence are identified and prosecuted.
“The APC Campaign Council urges Governor Ademola Adeleke to fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies in identifying, apprehending and prosecuting all those responsible for the killing of Mrs Taliat Simbiat and numerous citizens who sustained injuries. No individual, regardless of political affiliation or status, should be shielded from justice,” the statement read.
However, reacting to the allegations, Governor Ademola Adeleke denied claims that the woman was killed during the primary election violence.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor said the deceased reportedly slumped and died during the exercise in Iwo.
Adeleke expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing the deceased as a loyal supporter and committed party faithful.
“Mrs Taliat Simbiat’s sudden passing has left a deep pain in my heart that words cannot adequately convey. The deceased was more than a party faithful but one of our administration’s biggest promoters in Iwo and environs,” the governor stated.
“Hearing about her passing is quite emotional for me personally and I join in mourning a virtuous woman whose impacts and contributions to society will be sorely missed,” he added.
The governor also extended condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for strength for all those affected by the loss.
While reiterating his administration’s commitment to peaceful political activities, Adeleke rejected allegations of sponsoring violence or shielding thugs.
According to him, his political style has always emphasized peace, stability, and lawful conduct.
“Since joining politics, I have always maintained a peaceful disposition in my conduct. Even when our victory was violently stolen, we chose lawful means to retrieve it,” the governor said.
He further accused those making allegations against his administration of being the ones historically associated with political thuggery in the state.
The incident has generated widespread reactions across Osun State, with many calling for an independent investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and the reported violence during the primaries.
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