Adeleke campaign petitions NHRC over police intimidation

With less than two weeks until a pivotal governorship election, the campaign organization for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has formally accused police of intimidation and unlawful detention of its supporters, petitioning the National Human Rights Commission to intervene. The Imole Campaign Council submitted the petition in Abuja on Monday, August -3, 2026, alleging a pattern of human rights abuses aimed at undermining the governor's reelection bid ahead of the August 15 poll.

Campaign spokesperson Pelumi Olajengbesi, addressing journalists after the submission, stated that numerous supporters have been arrested and detained without justification. He cited the case of Popoola Alabama, an Accord Party supporter arrested in the Ilesa area allegedly in connection with political violence. Olajengbesi claimed that despite police allegations of armed robbery and illegal firearm possession, no incriminating evidence was recovered at the time of Alabama's arrest. He called for Alabama's immediate release or for him to be formally charged in court.

The petition also calls on the Inspector-General of Police to publicly assure residents that the election will be credible and that...