As the August 15 governorship election in Osun State approaches, political parties and their supporters have been urged to avoid violence and ensure that residents can participate in the poll without fear.

Former member of the Osun State House of Assembly and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, made the appeal while expressing concern over rising political tension in the state.

Key Facts

Oyintiloye urged political parties, candidates, leaders and supporters to avoid actions capable of worsening tension ahead of the election.

He also appealed to eligible voters not to allow concerns over political violence to discourage them from exercising their constitutional right to vote.

The former lawmaker further called for adequate security, accurate public information and the prosecution of anyone found responsible for criminal acts, regardless of political affiliation.

Election Update

Oyintiloye, who represented Obokun State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, made the call in a statement obtained in Osogbo on Sunday.

His appeal comes ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with attention focused on maintaining a peaceful environment for voters and other participants in the electoral process.

He said political ambition should not be allowed to take precedence over the safety and lives of residents.

What Happened?

Oyintiloye called on political parties to caution their supporters against violence and urged all political actors to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process.

He said no political ambition was worth the loss of human life and appealed to candidates, party leaders and supporters to avoid actions capable of further increasing tension in the state.

The former lawmaker also urged residents to remain courageous and participate in the election despite concerns surrounding recent political violence.

He said voters should not allow fear to prevent them from exercising their civic rights.

Key Players

The appeal involves several groups with different responsibilities ahead of the election.

Political parties and their supporters have been urged to avoid conduct that could trigger violence, while voters have been encouraged to participate without allowing fear to keep them away from the polls.

Security agencies, meanwhile, have been called upon to protect residents, maintain order and ensure that those who violate the law face appropriate consequences.

Key Quotes

“Osun voters must not allow fear to discourage them from exercising their civic rights. They should come out in large numbers to vote,” Oyintiloye said.

He also urged security agencies to ensure that anyone responsible for criminal acts was prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliation or status.

“There must be no impunity,” he said.

Background

Oyintiloye expressed concern over reports of attacks, killings and alleged extrajudicial actions associated with political activities in Osun State.

He called on security agencies to ensure that anyone found responsible for criminal acts was prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation.

The APC chieftain also appealed to residents not to be alarmed by the deployment of a large number of security personnel across the state.

According to him, such deployments are common during major elections and may have been informed by security intelligence available to the Federal Government.

He said the presence of security personnel should instead reassure residents that measures were being put in place to protect them and support a peaceful electoral process.

Risk Assessment

The concerns raised by Oyintiloye point to several issues that could affect public confidence and participation ahead of the election.

Political violence could discourage some residents from voting, while misinformation and rumours could further heighten anxiety among voters.

Oyintiloye therefore called on the government and relevant agencies to intensify public sensitisation and provide accurate information to counter false or misleading reports.

He also urged security agencies to pay particular attention to communities considered vulnerable to violence and strengthen rapid-response mechanisms.

According to him, security arrangements should remain intelligence-driven, especially in areas considered at risk.

What’s Next?

Oyintiloye appealed to all political actors to place the peace and stability of Osun State above partisan interests as preparations continue for the August 15 governorship election.

He urged political parties and their supporters to avoid violence, while calling on voters to remain calm, vigilant and courageous.

He also said government agencies should continue public enlightenment efforts and provide accurate information to residents.

For the electoral process to proceed peacefully, he maintained that security agencies must protect voters and ensure that anyone found to have violated the law faces appropriate legal consequences.