Suliat Lawal
The Nigerian Navy has reportedly arrested the All Progressives Congress candidate for the Atakumosa East/West State Constituency in Osun State, Babatunde Komolafe Festus, and some other party supporters over alleged possession of a rifle.
Komolafe was reportedly arrested on Thursday in Ifewara, his hometown, while travelling in an APC campaign vehicle alongside other supporters.
The development came barely two days before the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, amid heightened political tension and growing concerns about possible violence during the poll.
Sources said the arrest followed a routine search by Navy personnel, who allegedly discovered a firearm inside the vehicle.
According to one of the sources, Komolafe and the other occupants were travelling in a campaign vehicle associated with the APC governorship campaign when they were stopped and searched.
The source said, “He was arrested today after a routine search by Navy officials exposed him and other supporters with a gun.”
A video reportedly showing the arrested persons being paraded by Navy personnel also emerged following the incident.
It was, however, not immediately clear who owned the firearm or whether the APC candidate had been formally charged with any offence as of the time of filing this report.
The reported arrest has heightened concerns about security preparations for Saturday’s governorship election, with political parties and civil society groups already expressing fears over inflammatory rhetoric and possible intimidation of voters.
The incident also came against the backdrop of controversy surrounding a statement allegedly made by an APC chieftain, Mutali Adisa, in Ikire, the hometown of the party’s governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.
Adisa, identified as the Seriki of Ikire, had reportedly told APC supporters that Oyebamiji was already assured of victory but needed a strong percentage of votes from the town.
While addressing party supporters, he allegedly warned residents who might not vote for the APC candidate against attempting to cross a “gutter” in Ikire on election day.
The comment has sparked concerns among stakeholders, particularly given the tense atmosphere ahead of the poll.
The alleged arrest of Komolafe and the reported recovery of a firearm from the campaign vehicle have now added another security dimension to the election.
The development also comes amid separate allegations of political violence involving supporters of various parties.
Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, had reportedly said he and his colleagues petitioned the governments of the United States, United Kingdom and Canada over alleged threats and violence against members of the Accord Party ahead of the election.
The allegations have intensified calls for security agencies to maintain neutrality and ensure the safety of voters, candidates, journalists and other election stakeholders.
With the election only two days away, the latest incident is expected to increase scrutiny of political campaigns and security operations across the state.
Authorities are expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrest, the identity of the alleged firearm owner and the legal status of the suspects.
The Nigerian Navy and the APC had not, as of press time, issued an official statement on the reported arrest.
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