By Our Correspondent

National News – Fresh political tension has erupted in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election as supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress traded accusations over alleged billboard vandalism across parts of the state.

The dispute followed reports that campaign billboards belonging to the Imole Campaign Council and the Accord Party were destroyed in several local government areas.

The Imole Campaign Council, which is coordinating Adeleke’s re-election bid, alleged that hoodlums linked to the APC carried out coordinated attacks on campaign materials in Irewole, Ayedaade, Irepodun and Osogbo.

In a statement issued in Osogbo by spokesperson Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council claimed some security operatives aided the destruction by allegedly ignoring the attacks.

According to the group, the vandalism represents a threat to peaceful political participation and democratic engagement in Osun State.

The council called on the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies to investigate the incidents, identify those responsible and prosecute offenders.

It also urged election observers and human rights organisations to monitor the political climate in the state ahead of the governorship poll.

The council further accused the opposition party of using intimidation tactics because of Governor Adeleke’s growing popularity among voters.

It maintained that the governor remained focused on governance and development despite the controversy surrounding the campaign materials.

Reacting to the allegations, the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council denied involvement and described the claims as false and misleading.

The party’s media committee head, Oluremi Omowaiye, alleged instead that campaign billboards belonging to APC governorship candidate Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji had repeatedly been vandalised by political thugs allegedly connected to the state government.

The APC also accused the Adeleke administration of attempting to divert public attention from governance issues and corruption allegations through propaganda and political accusations as political activities intensify in Osun State.