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From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
A Civil Society Organisation, the Partnership for Ethical Governance, has cautioned the 14 political parties participating in the August 15 governorship election in Osun State to eschew violence.
Speaking to journalists in Osogbo, yesterday, the leader of the group, Comrade Debo Adeniran, posited that the conduct of party leaders before, during, and after the election will significantly influence the behavior of their supporters.
He emphasized the imperative for leaders to consistently preach restraint, reject inflammatory rhetoric, and discourage every form of violence or intimidation.
“We call particularly on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Accord Party (ACCORD), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and indeed every political party participating in this election to demonstrate leadership that reflects political maturity and respect for democratic values.
“Political parties must ensure that their campaigns remain issue-based and that their supporters conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process. Every disagreement should be resolved within the framework of the law, while every grievance arising from the election should be pursued through the constitutional and legal mechanisms provided for that purpose,” Adeniran said.
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The coalition reminded stakeholders that no political office is worth the life of any citizen, noting that every life lost during an election represents an irreparable tragedy for families and the nation.
“Those who encourage others to engage in violence rarely bear the consequences themselves; instead, it is often young men and women with promising futures who become victims of needless bloodshed, leaving behind grieving parents, widows, children, and shattered dreams.
“We therefore urge every supporter of every political party to remember that no politician’s ambition is greater than the value of human life. No electoral contest should compel anyone to risk imprisonment, permanent injury, or death for the advancement of another person’s political ambition,” he added.
The group called on security agencies to ensure that their deployment inspires confidence among the electorate while maintaining strict non-partisanship, guided at all times by the Nigerian Constitution.
“Security personnel must be firm against criminality but impartial in the discharge of their duties. Every polling unit deserves adequate protection, every lawful voter deserves equal security irrespective of political affiliation, and every report of electoral violence or intimidation must receive a swift, lawful, and professional response.
“Individuals or groups who choose to undermine the peace of the state must be dealt with decisively within the ambit of the law, irrespective of their political status or influence,” the group added.
