Osun Election: Ogundeji ‘Apata’, Allies Allegedly Targeted For Arrest As Security Concerns Mount In Ola
Concern is mounting over the safety and whereabouts of former aspirant for the Osun West Senatorial District and philanthropist, Chief Peter Taiwo Ogundeji, popularly known as APATA, and some of his key political associates, following reports of an alleged plan to arrest or abduct them in Ola, Ejigbo Local Government Area, ahead of tomorrow’s Osun State Governorship Election.
When contacted, the APATA Media and Communications Office said it could not confirm the whereabouts of its Principal, adding that his security personnel had allegedly been withdrawn about three weeks ago.
According to the office, Ogundeji had also not been sleeping in his residence for several weeks because of unverified intelligence reports suggesting that he could be picked up before the election.
The Media Office described the withdrawal of his security detail as politically suspicious, noting that some VIPs and political functionaries were still being seen moving around with personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.
The latest concern followed messages received by APATA’s political associates from sources described as reliable, warning that some of Ogundeji’s associates staying in Ola could be targeted for arrest during the night.
The messages further alleged that individuals believed to be monitoring the movements of APATA’s associates were around a hotel in the community, prompting warnings for those concerned to leave the location.
The information could not be independently verified as at the time of filing this alert.
Ogundeji resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in July 2026 and subsequently defected to the Accord Party, where he has remained active in the campaign for the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
His grassroots mobilisation activities across Ejigbo and other parts of Osun State have intensified political activities in the area ahead of the election.
Some residents of Ola who spoke on condition of anonymity expressed concern over Ogundeji’s safety, describing him as a benefactor who had contributed to the welfare and empowerment of people in the community.
One of the residents appealed to security agencies to ensure his safety, stressing that any attempt to arrest or intimidate him would not alter the people’s affection for him or their right to freely determine their political choice at the polls.
APATA’s political associates are calling on the Nigeria Police Force, the NSCDC and other relevant security agencies to urgently investigate the reported threat, establish the whereabouts and safety of all persons potentially affected and prevent any unlawful arrest, detention, intimidation or abduction.
They also urged the security agencies to investigate reports of persons allegedly impersonating security personnel and ensure that only duly authorised officers carry out arrests or security operations.
The APATA political movement called for calm and restraint among its supporters and urged security agencies to guarantee the safety of political actors and citizens before, during and after tomorrow’s election.
Further details will be made available as they emerge and are independently verified.
