The Oyo State leader of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Teslim Folarin, has called for a comprehensive investigation into reports alleging that a commercial motorcyclist was shot during the All Progressives Congress (APC) unity rally held on Monday in Ogbomoso.
Reacting to the circulating reports, the former Senate Leader stated that neither the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, the All Progressives Congress, nor the administration of President Bola Tinubu condones any form of lawlessness, violence, or misconduct before, during, or after political activities.
Folarin stressed that the APC unity rally in Ogbomoso was peaceful, orderly, and successfully concluded, adding that there was no officially reported incident of violence at the venue.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged the gravity of the allegation circulating in the public space and disclosed that he had formally requested relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain what actually transpired.
According to the senator, accountability must be upheld without fear or favour. He maintained that if any individual, regardless of status or political affiliation, is found to have acted unlawfully or engaged in criminal conduct, such a person must be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Folarin reiterated that criminality has no place within the APC, its rallies, or Nigeria’s democratic process. He explained that APC unity rallies are designed to promote peace, unity, and democratic participation, not intimidation or violence.
He further noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda is firmly anchored on the rule of law, accountability, and the protection of lives and property.
In this context, he appealed to members of the public and the media to refrain from speculation or premature conclusions while investigations are ongoing, cautioning against the politicisation or sensationalisation of security-related issues before all facts are fully established.
The senator also reaffirmed that Oyo State must continue to serve as a model of peaceful political engagement, assuring residents that he would sustain close collaboration with security agencies to safeguard lives and property across the state.