APC calls for investigation after woman's death at Accord Party primary

The Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council has asked for an investigation into the death of Taliat Simbiat during the Accord Party primary for Ayedire/Iwo/Olaoluwa Federal Constituency. This primary took place in Iwo, Osun State, on Sunday.

Remi Omowaiye, who leads the Media and Publicity Committee of the APC Campaign Council, said in a statement from Osogbo that Taliat was killed during the primaries. He claimed that violence and property damage affected the event.

Omowaiye stated that reports from various areas of the state show a worrying level of chaos and bloodshed linked to the primaries. "Internal party primaries are expected to be a celebration of democracy and an opportunity for members to freely choose their representatives," he said.

"According to reports available to us, several members of the Accord Party and innocent citizens have suffered varying degrees of injuries, while lives have reportedly been lost as a result of the violence that accompanied the exercise," he added.

Omowaiye shared more details about Taliat, who was from Ward 3, Iwo. He mentioned that she "lost her life during the violence," and that at least 30 other people suffered serious injuries in the local government area.

The APC Campaign Council urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to work closely with law enforcement to find, arrest, and prosecute anyone involved in Taliat Simbiat's death and the injuries to many others. They insisted that no one, regardless of their political background or status, should escape justice.

In response, Governor Ademola Adeleke released a statement through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. He expressed sympathy for Taliat's family, saying that she collapsed and died during the primaries in Iwo.

Adeleke conveyed his deep sorrow over the loss of a supporter. He said, "Mrs Taliat Simbiat’s sudden passing has left a deep pain in my heart that words cannot adequately convey. The deceased was more than a party faithful but one of our administration’s biggest promoters in Iwo and environs."

He added, "Hearing about her passing is quite emotional for me as a personal and I join in mourning a virtuous woman whose impacts and contributions to the society will be sorely missed."

Adeleke prayed for Taliat's soul and for comfort for her family and all affected by her passing. He also emphasized that he does not tolerate violence in politics. He praised Accord members for being peaceful during the primaries.

The governor denied the APC's claims of protecting thugs. He stated that he has no reason to protect criminals, as his approach to politics focuses on peace and stability.

"Since joining politics, I have always maintained a peaceful disposition in my conduct. Even when our victory was violently stolen, we chose a lawful mean to retrieve it and even recently, when councils were violently hijacked, we maintained the peace," he said.

Adeleke concluded, "Those raising the accusations of thuggery against us are actually those in the habit of sponsoring thuggery to achieve political objectives. They cannot rewrite the truth that Osun people know well about them."