By Shina Abubakar
OSOGBO — A coalition of civil society organisations under the aegis of the Partnership for Ethical Governance has called on political parties participating in the August 15 Osun State governorship election to demonstrate political maturity and uphold democratic values.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, its Chairman, Comrade Debo Adeniran, expressed concern over what he described as rising incidents of politically motivated violence, intimidation and attacks ahead of the poll, warning that such developments could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
He stressed that elections should not be treated as warfare, noting that political opponents should not be regarded as enemies.
According to him, democracy guarantees citizens the freedom to choose their leaders without fear, intimidation, coercion or violence.
“The essence of democracy is to give the people the freedom to choose their leaders without fear, intimidation, coercion or violence. Elections are not wars. Political opponents are not enemies. Victory at the polls must never come at the cost of human misery, trauma and loss of lives,” he said.
Adeniran noted that electoral violence discourages voter participation, weakens public confidence in democratic institutions and leaves lasting consequences for communities.
The coalition urged eligible voters across Osun State to participate peacefully in the August 15 governorship election, assuring that democracy is strengthened when citizens freely express their choices through the ballot box.
It also called on the leadership of the Accord Party, All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), All Progressives Movement (APM) and other participating political parties to consistently preach restraint to their supporters before, during and after the election.
According to the coalition, party leaders should reject inflammatory rhetoric, discourage violence and ensure that any grievances arising from the election are addressed through lawful and constitutional means.
It further cautioned politicians against inciting youths to engage in electoral violence, stressing that those who sponsor violence often do not bear its consequences, while young people and communities suffer the most.
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