Stakeholders seek peaceful governorship election in Osun, condemn political violence

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

Stakeholders in Osun State have called on political actors and their supporters to embrace peace ahead of the August 15 governorship election, expressing concern over recent incidents of violence that have claimed lives in the state.

The appeal was made on Wednesday at a Strategic Stakeholders’ Peace Meeting Against Violence convened by the Osun State Police Command in Osogbo. The meeting was attended by representatives of security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, civil society organisations, youth groups, traditional and religious leaders, and the media.

Some political party representatives at the meeting lamented the absence of delegates from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party, alleging that both parties had been linked to recent political tensions in the state.

Addressing participants, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, urged political parties and candidates to notify security agencies before holding rallies, campaigns, processions and other political activities to enable adequate security deployment and prevent clashes.

He also cautioned politicians against hate speech, inflammatory remarks and inciting statements capable of provoking violence, stressing the need for campaigns to focus on issues, policies and programmes rather than personal attacks.

“We must also strongly discourage all forms of thuggery, gangsterism, and the recruitment or sponsorship of political thugs. Violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society. Political leaders should caution their supporters against acts capable of disrupting public peace and should refrain from providing support, encouragement, or protection to individuals who engage in criminal conduct,” Gotan said.

In her goodwill message, the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, expressed concern over recent violence that resulted in loss of lives, noting that the incidents had heightened fears among residents and underscored the need for responsible conduct by political actors.

Babalola appealed to political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to embrace sportsmanship, issue-based campaigns and respect for the rule of law to ensure a peaceful and credible governorship election.