Four members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were shot at in an alleged attack in Ilesa, Osun State, allegedly by suspected supporters of the Accord Party.
The incident took place in the backdrop of the simmering political tension that has engulfed the entire Southwest region of Nigeria ahead of the upcoming Osun State governorship election as multiple attempts by both political parties to get their candidates elected have intensified in the region.
The report says the shooting took place in Ilesa but the identity of the alleged attackers, and of the immediate cause of the confrontation have not been established.
The violence has sparked widespread fears of further aggravation between the supporters of different parties as well as official and semi-official disturbances just prior to election.
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Political activity has also increased in the state, seen by some political parties like Accord Party and the APC dintling up campaigns, and grassroots mobilisation around the state.
Political violence has been a constant issue during election in Nigeria as rival supporters have been opposed to each others rallies, political activities or control of political space. Security agencies several times have advised that the political actors and their allies refrain from provoking and let the political campaigns be held in peace.
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No immediate details of the condition of the four victims or whether there were any arrests could be immediately ascertained from the information available.
The allegation also has not been substantiated by an independent source and the party’s statement regarding the shooting the night before would be important in making a definite determination.
The incident is likely to spark further security agencies concern over the need of boosting their security around campaign activities and politically sensitive areas ahead of the upcoming Osun election.
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The shooting circumstances will be investigated with the expectation that those responsible will be determined.
The move, however, sensitises political parties and their supporters to police their conduct as Osun heads toward the governorship election, where there are threatening signs that elections may escalate into violence and put the credibility of the democratic process under strain.
