An All Progressives Congress Chieftain in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to maintain peace before, during and after the August 15 governorship election.
Oyintiloye, who made the call while speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, also urged all stakeholders to shun violence and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
He stressed that no political ambition was worth the life of any citizen, urging political actors to prioritise the safety and security of residents throughout the election period.
Speaking against the backdrop of rising political tension in the state, the former lawmaker said the situation should not create fear or discourage eligible voters from exercising their constitutional right to vote.
Oyintiloye said the deployment of security personnel across Osun should be viewed as a preventive measure rather than a cause for alarm, noting that such deployments were common during elections.
He said security deployments could also be based on intelligence available to the federal government, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
“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 should reassure our people that adequate measures are in place to protect them and ensure a peaceful process,” he added.
The APC chieftain expressed concern over reports of violent attacks, killings and alleged extrajudicial actions linked to political activities, saying security agencies should address such incidents professionally.
He urged security agencies to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, neutrality and accountability, stressing that anyone found guilty of violating the law should face the appropriate legal consequences.
“Anyone found to have violated the law, irrespective of political affiliation or status, should face appropriate legal consequences. There must be no impunity,” he said.
Oyintiloye also called on the government and relevant agencies to intensify public sensitisation and provide accurate information to counter rumours and misinformation ahead of the poll.
He urged political leaders and their supporters to moderate their language, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and allow the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a transparent and credible election, while calling on aggrieved parties to seek redress through legal channels.
“The responsibility for a peaceful election rests on all stakeholders. Let every eligible voter come out. Let every vote count. Let every citizen return home safely,” he said.
Oyintiloye expressed optimism that the election would reflect the will of the people, adding that the APC and its candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, remained confident of victory based on their grassroots support and mobilisation.
Osun Guber: APC chieftain urges peaceful poll, shunning of political violence