A woman identified as Taliat Simbiat collapsed and died during the Accord Party primary election for Ayedire/Iwo/Olaoluwa Federal Constituency in Osun State Sunday.
What happened next split Osun politics in two: APC cried “violence and thugs,” while Governor Adeleke said she “slumped, not killed.”
—“She died amid disturbances” — APC—
Osun APC, through Campaign Council Media Head Remi Omowaiye, confirmed Simbiat’s death May 31 and demanded a full investigation.
The party alleged the Iwo primary “descended into chaos,” with casualties and property damage. Omowaiye claimed reports showed several injured and about 30 people hurt statewide. Simbiat, a Ward 3 Iwo resident, was said to have died “amid disturbances linked to the primary.”
APC called primaries a “crucial democratic process” that should be free of intimidation. They urged security agencies to fish out culprits and asked Gov Adeleke to support the probe.
—“She slumped and died” — Adeleke—
The state government rejected APC’s version. Through spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke expressed grief and condolences to Simbiat’s family.
The governor said the deceased was a “loyal supporter and strong advocate” of his administration in Iwo. He insisted she slumped during the exercise, not killed in a clash.
Adeleke dismissed claims his government shields thugs, saying he’s always promoted peaceful politics. He praised Accord Party members for “peaceful conduct” and accused critics of distorting facts for political gain.
—Accord primary turns political battlefield—
Simbiat’s death has now become a proxy fight between APC and PDP-led Osun govt ahead of 2027. One side sees political violence. The other sees natural death + smear campaign.
Security agencies have not released an official cause of death or arrest update as of press time.
