It is with profound dismay and deep condemnation that I address the unfortunate and violent attack directed at the supporters of Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, the gubernatorial candidate of the Accord Party in Oyo State, which occurred yesterday at the Molete area in Ibadan. In every rational sense, this violent assault is entirely unacceptable, deeply unhealthy for our democracy, and inimical to the future stability of Oyo State. Political healthiness thrives on open competition and peaceful engagement, meaning that such acts of lawlessness are fundamentally wrong, completely unwarranted, and must not be allowed to continue. Resorting to physical brutality to silence political opponents or intimidate citizens is a primitive tactic that has no place in a modern society.
 
What makes this incident even more alarming is that the perpetrators of this cowardly attack have been clearly identified through available video footage and eyewitness accounts, a fact rightly acknowledged by Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat himself. We must ask ourselves why opposition candidates and their supporters continue to face such hostile and targeted aggression. Such reckless behaviour has zero sustainability in the kind of progressive and civilized politics we practice and must continue to practice. When political actors choose intimidation over persuasion, they expose their deep-seated fear of popular choice and their inability to engage the electorate on issues of substance and governance.
 
Oyo State has long left behind the dark era of political violence and thuggery, having chosen instead a path of enlightened civic participation and democratic maturity. We cannot afford to slide back into those regrettable years when bloodletting and the destruction of properties were deployed as tools of political suppression. The sacred mandate of leadership should be earned through persuasive manifestos, visible achievements, and genuine service to the people, never through the terrorisation of innocent citizens. Every individual, regardless of their party affiliation, has a constitutional and inalienable right to campaign and support any candidate of their choice without fear of harassment or physical harm.
 
If the sitting government in Oyo State led by Engr Seyi Makinde and his political camp are truly confident in their stewardship and genuinely believe they are capable of winning an election through a free and fair process, then such coordinated attacks should never be happening under their watch. A government that prides itself on democratic credentials must demonstrate zero tolerance for thuggery, ensuring that law enforcement agencies act swiftly to bring all identified culprits to justice. Turning a blind eye or offering tacit encouragement through inaction only emboldens criminal elements and casts a heavy shadow over the legitimacy of the administration. True democratic strength is measured by the protection of all citizens, including those in the opposition.
 
As members of the All Progressives Congress, we categorically and unequivocally condemn this grievous and unfortunate assault on democracy, human life, and properties, noting that violence can never be a legitimate instrument for winning elections. We will never condone any action that undermines public peace or seeks to turn our peaceful state into a theater of war. I call on all security agencies to thoroughly investigate this incident, apprehend the identified perpetrators, and ensure they face the full wrath of the law. Let this serve as a clear signal that the peace and security of Oyo State are paramount and that we remain resolute in our collective resolve to protect our democracy from desperate elements who seek to subvert the will of the people.
 
~ Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)
Former Oyo State Governorship Aspirant
APC… PROGRESS!
AKK! Aseyori ni tiwa
AKK!! Ajọṣe, Ajoje
AKK!!! A Task That Must Be Done.
Wednesday, October 14 2026