INEC, security agencies, political stakeholders want peace ahead Osun guber poll

The Security Agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties and other critical stakeholders on Wednesday jointly called for peace ahead of the August 15 Governorship election in Osun State.

The appeal came during a Strategic Stakeholders’ Peace Meeting Against Violence convened by the Osun State Police Command at the State Police Headquarters, Osogbo, where participants emphasised the need for a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process.

The meeting was attended by representatives of security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, the media and other stakeholders in the electoral process.

Speaking at the meeting, Ibrahim Gotan, the Commissioner of Police, urged political parties and candidates to ensure that security agencies are adequately notified before rallies, campaigns, processions and other political gatherings to enable effective deployment of personnel and prevent clashes.

He warned against the destruction, defacement and removal of opponents’ campaign materials, describing such acts as unlawful and capable of escalating political tension.

The police commissioner also advised political actors to avoid late-night rallies, stressing that such activities often pose security challenges and make effective monitoring difficult.

Gotan further cautioned against political thuggery, gangsterism and the sponsorship of political thugs, insisting that violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society as well as warned against hate speech, inflammatory comments and inciting statements capable of provoking violence or deepening political divisions.

The Police boss further said, “all stakeholders must embrace a violence-free campaign environment. There should be no attacks, counter-attacks, reprisals, or acts of political vengeance. Differences in political opinion should not translate into hostility or violence. Every political party and candidate should commit to peaceful coexistence before, during, and after the election.”

In her goodwill message, Oluwatoyin Babalola, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, commended the Police Command for convening the meeting and described it as a timely initiative aimed at promoting dialogue and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders.

She expressed concern over recent incidents of violence that resulted in loss of lives, noting that such developments underscored the need for sustained engagement and responsible conduct as the election approaches.

Babalola reiterated INEC’s commitment to conducting a peaceful, transparent and credible governorship election, stressing that elections should be viewed as a democratic process through which citizens freely choose their leaders rather than an avenue for violence, intimidation or hostility.

She appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns, sportsmanship and respect for the rule of law, while rejecting hate speech, incitement and misinformation.

Participants at the meeting echoed calls for peaceful conduct throughout the electioneering period and stressed the need for all stakeholders to work together to safeguard lives, property.