The Osun Progressive (TOP), a faction within the Osun chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has alleged that elements in the party and government plan to kill the faction’s leaders.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday in Osogbo, the TOP chairman, Adelowo Adebiyi, said the planned attack resulted from the group’s efforts to restructure and re-energise the party.

Mr Adebiyi revealed that the group had reported the threat to security agencies for investigation.

“This urgent press conference is aimed at putting on record information on the attempt by some elements, allegedly within government and our party (APC), to attack and murder some of the leaders of TOP,” he stated. “It is important that we bring to public knowledge this evil intention. We have informed relevant security agencies, who have assured us of taking steps to investigate the information and ensure the protection of the lives of the leadership and members of our caucus.”

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari and other party leaders to “quickly intervene and stop desperate elements in Osun APC from spilling the blood of the innocent for their selfish interests.”

Also speaking, the caretaker secretary of the APC in the state, Rasaq Salinsile, noted that the leadership of TOP decided to make the “plan” known to the public to avoid casualties.

“TOP leadership knows who to hold responsible, should any attack be carried out on any member of the group or those of the party, who are loyal to the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola,” explained Mr Salinsile.

Gboyega Famodun, the APC caretaker chairman in Osun, however, dismissed TOP’s claims. Speaking through his media aide, Kola Olabisi, he said, “The allegation is unfounded. It cannot be substantiated. It should be disregarded. Anybody can come up with any allegation. TOP should show the proof of their allegation.

“We are members of the same family. Nobody is thinking evil against anybody.”

(NAN)