Osun Election: Hashim warns against violence, calls for peaceful election
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The presidential candidate of the Accord Party, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has warned against inciting violence ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
- Hashim's warning follows reports of an alleged inflammatory comment made by Senator Francis Fadahunsi concerning Accord Party members.
- The Osun State Police Command has invited Senator Fadahunsi for questioning, and Hashim urges stakeholders to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
Dr. Gbenga Hashim, the presidential candidate for Nigeria's Accord Party, has issued a stern warning against political actors and supporters inciting violence as the Osun State governorship election approaches. Hashim emphasized that inflammatory statements or encouragement of violence could lead to legal repercussions, urging all stakeholders to facilitate a peaceful exercise of voting rights.
This warning comes in the wake of reports alleging that Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, made a comment targeting Accord Party members. While Senator Fadahunsi has reportedly denied making the statement, it has already generated significant reactions across the nation. Hashim condemned such alleged calls for violence during elections, stressing that political disagreements should not jeopardize lives or undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
Hashim called upon relevant security and law enforcement agencies to investigate any allegations of incitement and to take appropriate action against any established wrongdoing. He also appealed to political leaders, candidates, and their supporters to exercise restraint and avoid making statements that could escalate tensions within the state. "We want to let everyone know that these actions would not go unpunished," Hashim stated.
The Accord Party candidate also claimed that some of its supporters have been victims of violence, asserting the party's commitment to pursuing lawful means to protect its members. Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Command has summoned Senator Fadahunsi for questioning regarding the alleged comment. The Police Public Relations Officer indicated that further steps would be taken if the senator fails to honor the invitation. This development occurs as political parties intensify their campaigns and mobilization efforts for Saturday's governorship election, with security agencies tasked with maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of all involved.
We want to let everyone know that these actions would not go unpunished.
Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.