By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo
There is palpable tension at the Osun state venue of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, stakeholders’ meeting as the commission prepares for the August 15 governorship election in the state.
INEC’s chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan had arrived in the state on Tuesday, paying a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other traditional rulers in the state.
However, his meeting with political parties, CSOs and stakeholders on Wednesday at the Atlantis Hall was devoid of decorum, as supporters of both the Accord party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) were on each other’s necks at every opportunity.
The meeting had started on a promising note, but as soon as the State Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Gotan, was invited to make his speech, supporters of the Accord party started booing him while the APC were applauding him.
The CP made his speech despite the distraction, but the stakeholders could hardly comprehend the speech as a result of the noise from the APC and Accord supporters.
Also, members of the APC in the hall raised their voices high, booing the Imole Campaign Council Media Chairman, Hon Bamidele Salam, attempting to prevent him from making his point.
Also, a group allegedly sponsored by Accord also holds a peaceful protest outside the venue demanding a credible election.
The group, majorly women, bears placards with inscriptions such as “We want peace in Osun, not war” and “Osun election must be free and fair”, among others.
However, the APC had issued a statement through the Campaign Council spokesperson, Remi Omowaye, alleging that the Accord is sponsoring a protest to disrupt the INEC’s stakeholders meeting.
The venue was security-tight, as gun-wielding security men were stationed both inside and outside the hall.
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