Accord, APC absent as police convene Osun peace parley ahead of governorship poll

The Osun State Police Command organized a stakeholders' meeting aimed at curbing rising political violence before the state's governorship election, but the absence of the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) dominated discussions. The parley brought together representatives from political parties, civil society organizations, media, and students to foster peaceful conduct during the electioneering period.

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Security agencies can only plan effectively when they are informed in good time.

Representatives from participating parties, including the Boot Party and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), voiced concerns about the missing APC and Accord Party. They alleged that both absent parties had been associated with recent political tensions in the state. This absence raised questions about their commitment to a peaceful electoral process.

Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, instructed political parties and candidates to inform security agencies in advance about rallies, campaigns, and processions. He emphasized that timely notification enables effective personnel deployment, adequate security, traffic management, and prevention of clashes. "Security agencies can only plan effectively when they are informed in good time," Gotan stated.

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The destruction, defacement or removal of opponents’ billboards, banners, posters and other campaign materials must stop. Such acts are not only unlawful but are capable of provoking retaliation, creating tension and escalating political hostility. Political competition should be based on ideas, policies and programmes, not on the destruction of property belonging to opponents.

Gotan also issued a stern warning against the destruction or defacement of opponents' campaign materials, labeling such acts as unlawful and potential escalators of political hostility. "Political competition should be based on ideas, policies and programmes, not on the destruction of property belonging to opponents," he added. He further advised against late-night rallies, thuggery, gangsterism, sponsoring violence, and using hate speech or inciting statements.

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The recent incidents of violence, which unfortunately resulted in the loss of lives, have created an atmosphere of apprehension among citizens and stakeholders.

Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, lamented the recent political violence that has resulted in fatalities and heightened fears. She urged parties and candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns, sportsmanship, and adherence to the rule of law. "We must collectively reject hate speech, incitement, misinformation and any action capable of threatening the peace and security of our communities," Babalola urged.

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We must collectively reject hate speech, incitement, misinformation and any action capable of threatening the peace and security of our communities.