RismadarVoice Reporters
August 3, 2026
The Adeleke Campaign Organisation has petitioned the National Human Rights Commission over alleged human rights violations and misuse of police powers in Osun State ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
The campaign also called on the Inspector-General of Police to reassure residents that the Nigeria Police Force would remain neutral and ensure the protection of lives and property before, during and after the election.
The campaign’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, made the call on Monday after submitting the petition at the NHRC headquarters in Abuja.
Olajengbesi said the campaign approached the commission because of what it described as alleged abuses and security concerns in the state as political activities intensify ahead of the election.
“We have come to the National Human Rights Commission to present our concerns over what we consider abuse of human rights in Osun State as the election approaches,” he said.
In the petition, the campaign alleged that 36 people had been killed in Osun State and called for investigations into the incidents and justice for the victims.
It also urged the police authorities to provide assurances that officers deployed for the election would act professionally and protect residents regardless of political affiliation.
“We want the Inspector-General of Police to assure Nigerians and the people of Osun State that the election will be credible and that the police have the capacity to protect lives and property,” Olajengbesi said.
The campaign further raised concerns over the alleged arrest and detention of some residents of the state in police facilities outside Osun.
According to Olajengbesi, some of those detained were subsequently released following public criticism, while he questioned the circumstances surrounding the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police to the state.
The campaign also alleged that the Accord Party candidate for Ijesa South, Popoola Alabama, was arrested during a political campaign in Ilesa and later transferred to Abuja.
It claimed that a magistrate court subsequently ordered his detention over allegations bordering on unlawful possession of firearms and armed robbery.
The campaign maintained that no incriminating items were recovered from Alabama at the time of his arrest and called on the police to either charge him to court or release him.
It also demanded the release of other persons it alleged were being unlawfully detained, while stressing that anyone suspected of committing an offence should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Adeleke campaign further urged security agencies to remain impartial and ensure that the Osun governorship election is free, fair and peaceful.
The Nigeria Police Force had not responded to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
