A former member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on political parties contesting the August 15 governorship election to restrain their supporters and maintain peace.
Oyintiloye, who represented Obokun State Constituency and is an All Progressives Congress chieftain in the state, made the appeal in a statement obtained in Osogbo on Sunday.
He urged political stakeholders to avoid violence, saying no political ambition should lead to the death of any citizen.
Speaking amid rising political tension in the state, Oyintiloye said the situation should not deter residents from exercising their constitutional right to vote.
He also urged residents not to be alarmed by the deployment of security personnel across Osun, stating that the measure was intended to prevent crises and protect the electoral process.
“Osun voters must not allow fear to discourage them from exercising their civic rights. They should come out in large numbers to vote,” Oyintiloye said.
“The presence of security should reassure our people that adequate measures are in place to protect them and ensure a peaceful process.”
Oyintiloye said security deployments during elections were not unusual and could be linked to intelligence available to the Federal Government.
He called on eligible voters to remain calm, vigilant and courageous, adding that their participation was essential to sustaining democracy.
The former lawmaker also raised concern over reports of violent attacks, killings and alleged extrajudicial actions linked to political activities. He said security agencies were making efforts to address the situation.
“Anyone found to have violated the law, irrespective of political affiliation or status, should face appropriate legal consequences. There must be no impunity,” he said.
Oyintiloye also called for stronger public sensitisation to counter rumours and misinformation, intelligence-driven security arrangements in vulnerable communities, and improved rapid-response mechanisms.
Fourteen political parties have been cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission to participate in the August 15 poll to elect Osun’s governor.
