Osun poll: Gani Adams urges politicians to shun violence

Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress, has appealed to politicians in Osun State to ensure a violence-free governorship election. Speaking in Osogbo during a reception for OPC members, Adams urged politicians to caution their supporters against engaging in violence.

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I will appeal to our politicians. Power is transient; power is momentary. We should not, because we are looking for power, kill a soul.

Adams stressed the transient nature of power, advising politicians against causing loss of life in their pursuit of it. "Power is transient; power is momentary. We should not, because we are looking for power, kill a soul," he stated. He emphasized that actions taken today become history and appealed for a peaceful election, noting that its conduct would set a precedent for future elections.

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Anything that happens in this election will be a reference to the general election.

While declining to assign blame for recent politically motivated killings, Adams called for a peaceful atmosphere and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure fairness and a level playing field for all candidates. He highlighted that the Osun election's outcome would significantly shape public perception of INEC's readiness for the 2027 general elections.

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We don’t need bloodshed in Yorubaland. We want a peaceful atmosphere for the election, and INEC should be neutral because anything INEC does in this election will shape people’s mindset towards the general election.

Beyond the election, Adams also advocated for increased Federal Government involvement in the annual Osun Osogbo Festival, describing cultural tourism as a vital tool for enhancing Nigeria's global image. He suggested that the festival requires more innovation and collaboration among stakeholders to boost its international appeal, noting that UNESCO recognition alone is insufficient without improved content and governmental support.

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The Federal Government should come in. Because what I saw over the past three years, I do not see a reflection of the Federal Government. It is only the host community with the participants that come from different locations and the state government.