A suspected politically motivated shooting in Esa-Oke, Osun State, has heightened concerns over security ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) said Dele Ayegbo, nephew of its governorship campaign Director-General, Wole Oke, was shot dead on Wednesday night.

According to the party, the incident occurred around the Idofin area of Esa-Oke in Obokun Local Government Area, close to Ayegbo’s residence.

Osun APC spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, claiming that Ayegbo and another party member were attacked by gunmen travelling in a vehicle.

He said Ayegbo died at the scene, while the second victim survived with gunshot injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The APC blamed suspected Accord Party supporters for the attack, alleging that political thugs linked to the party had been targeting its members across the state.

The party, however, did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegation.

Olabisi called on security agencies to investigate the killing and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

He also claimed that more than 30 APC members had lost their lives in politically related attacks across Osun since 2022, with Ijesaland accounting for 17 of the reported deaths.

The APC spokesperson further accused the state government of failing to adequately condemn previous attacks involving opposition members, an allegation the party said had contributed to growing concerns about political violence.

With voters expected to cast their ballots on Saturday, the APC urged the police to strengthen security and prevent further attacks.

Olabisi said the incident could be an attempt to intimidate voters and discourage APC supporters from exercising their right to vote.

The Osun State Police Command had yet to officially confirm the reported killing as of the time of filing this report. Attempts to reach the command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, for a response were unsuccessful.

The incident comes amid heightened political competition in Osun, with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke seeking another term under the Accord Party and opposition parties intensifying their campaigns ahead of the election.