Oyintiloye calls for peaceful Osun poll, condemns political violence
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to shun violence and ensure the peaceful conduct of the August 15 governorship election.
Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, made the call on Sunday in Osogbo amid rising political tension in the state, stressing that no political ambition was worth the life of any citizen.
He urged eligible voters not to allow fear to prevent them from exercising their constitutional right to vote, saying the deployment of security personnel across the state should be viewed as a preventive measure rather than a cause for alarm.
Oyintiloye said security deployments were not unusual during elections and could be based on intelligence available to the Federal Government, adding that their presence should reassure voters that measures were being taken to protect them and safeguard the electoral process.
“Osun voters must not allow fear to discourage them from exercising their civic rights. They should come out in large numbers to vote. The presence of security personnel should reassure our people that adequate measures are in place to protect them and ensure a peaceful process,” he said.
He expressed concern over reports of violent attacks, killings and alleged extrajudicial actions linked to political activities and called on security agencies to discharge their duties with professionalism, neutrality and accountability.
The APC chieftain also urged political leaders and their supporters to moderate their language and avoid inflammatory rhetoric capable of heightening tension, while calling on the government and relevant agencies to intensify public sensitisation and provide accurate information to counter rumours and misinformation.
Oyintiloye urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency, impartiality and credibility throughout the electoral process, saying whoever emerged through a credible process should be accepted, while aggrieved parties should seek redress through legal channels.
