Journalist and politician Michael Babatunde Abimboye, widely known as “Omo-Ajonbadi,” has strongly condemned the alleged destruction of campaign materials across several local government areas in Osun State, describing the incidents as coordinated political attacks aimed at intimidating opposition voices.
In a statement issued on Friday, Abimboye criticized the reported vandalism of campaign billboards and promotional materials belonging to the Imole Campaign and the Accord Party in Irewole, Ayedaade, Ife, Irepodun, and Oriade Local Government Areas. He described the incidents as criminal acts capable of undermining democratic values and political participation in the state.
“What we are witnessing in some parts of our dear state is not politics, it is criminality designed to intimidate voters and suppress opposition participation,” he stated. “The level of desperation being displayed shows a political camp that has lost touch with the people and now seeks to replace ideas with fear and destruction.”
Abimboye argued that the growing political tension in the state is linked to what he described as increasing public support for the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke. According to him, the governor’s developmental projects and style of governance have continued to resonate with residents across Osun State.
“The people of Osun deserve better than this descent into political thuggery. When a party has no message, no plan, and no credible record to defend, violence becomes its only strategy,” he said.
The politician maintained that residents of the state remain politically conscious and would resist attempts at voter intimidation ahead of future elections. He called on civil society organizations, election observers, human rights groups, and the international community to closely monitor political developments in Osun State, particularly incidents involving alleged intimidation and destruction of campaign property.
Abimboye reaffirmed the commitment of the Accord Party and what he described as “other progressive forces” to peaceful, issue-based politics. According to him, no amount of intimidation or destruction of campaign materials would derail the push for what he termed good governance in the state.
“Our people are watching, and history will judge those who choose violence over democracy and the will of the people,” the statement concluded.
