Osun Poll: APC Chieftain Warns Parties Against Violence, Urges Peaceful Election

A former member of the Osun State House of Assembly and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on political parties and their supporters to shun violence and embrace peaceful conduct ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

According to Ireporter Online, Oyintiloye, who previously represented Obokun State Constituency, made the appeal in a statement issued in Osogbo on Sunday.

The former lawmaker stressed that no political ambition should be allowed to result in the loss of human lives, urging candidates, party leaders and supporters to avoid actions capable of further escalating tensions across the state.

Oyintiloye expressed concern that the growing political atmosphere could discourage residents from participating in the electoral process. He therefore urged eligible voters not to allow fear or reports of political violence to prevent them from exercising their civic rights.

He encouraged residents to turn out in large numbers and participate peacefully in the election, while urging them to remain calm and vigilant.

The APC chieftain also appealed to residents not to panic over the deployment of a large number of security personnel across Osun State.

According to him, increased security presence is a common feature of major elections and could be based on intelligence available to the Federal Government.

Oyintiloye maintained that the deployment should instead reassure residents that adequate measures were being taken to protect lives and property and facilitate a peaceful electoral process.

The former legislator also condemned reports of political attacks, killings and alleged extrajudicial actions linked to political activities in the state.

He called on security agencies to investigate such incidents and ensure that anyone found culpable faces prosecution, regardless of political affiliation or social status.

Oyintiloye stressed that there should be no room for impunity, arguing that respect for the rule of law was essential to maintaining peace before, during and after the election.

He further urged voters to remain courageous and attentive throughout the electoral process, noting that active participation by citizens was vital to the sustenance of democracy.

The APC chieftain also called on the government and relevant agencies to intensify public enlightenment campaigns ahead of the election to tackle misinformation, rumours and misleading reports capable of creating unnecessary fear among residents.

He advised security agencies to maintain an intelligence-driven approach, particularly in communities considered vulnerable to electoral violence, while strengthening rapid-response mechanisms.

Oyintiloye ultimately appealed to all political actors to place the peace, security and stability of Osun State above partisan interests, urging them to work towards ensuring that the August 15 governorship election is conducted peacefully and credibly.