As Osun State prepares for its governorship election, the Imole Campaign Council has raised serious allegations against the military, claiming that soldiers detained a close aide to Governor Ademola Adeleke along with a prominent campaigner from the Accord Party. The alleged incidents occurred on the night of August 14, 2026, just hours before the polls opened.

According to the council, soldiers arrived in over 15 trucks and conducted raids on the homes of Accord Party leaders across various locations in Osun, with the Osun East Senatorial District reportedly facing the most significant impact. Among those detained was Bankole Omisore, a Special Adviser to Governor Adeleke, who is said to be held at a military cantonment in Ede. Also detained is Adeyemi Idowu, described as a key campaigner for the Accord Party.

Pelumi Olajengbesi, the spokesman for the Imole Campaign Council, expressed outrage over the military's actions, labeling them as "shocking and undemocratic." He urged the Nigerian Army to maintain neutrality during the electoral process, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding democracy in the state.

The council's statement also implicated a police officer, ASP Wemimo, whom they allege was involved in directing the military operations. Furthermore, they claimed that Sanya Omirin, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and federal representative, was present during the raids, raising concerns about political interference in the military's actions.

In light of these developments, the Imole Campaign Council has called upon Lt-Gen Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, to intervene and ensure that the military does not become a tool for political manipulation. They have urged him to act in accordance with the laws governing the electoral process, asserting that the military must not allow itself to be used by politicians seeking power at any cost.

As voters head to the polls on August 15, the allegations of military involvement in the electoral process have sparked fears of intimidation and violence, which could undermine the integrity of the elections. The situation remains tense as the council continues to seek clarity and accountability from military officials regarding the alleged detentions.

The claims made by the Imole Campaign Council have not been independently verified, and it remains to be seen how the military will respond to these serious allegations as the election unfolds.