Ex-lawmaker warns against violence ahead of Osun poll
August 9, 2026 12:19 pm
Olatunbosun Oyintiloye
A former lawmaker representing Obokun State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on political parties fielding candidates in the August 15 governorship poll in the state to rein in their supporters and embrace peace ahead of the poll.
Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in the state, made the call in a statement obtained in Osogbo on Sunday.
The ex-lawmaker also urged stakeholders to refrain from violence and ensure a peaceful electoral process, stressing that no political ambition should be the cause of the death of any citizen.
Speaking against the backdrop of the rising political tension in the state, Oyintiloye said the situation should not be allowed to discourage citizens from exercising their constitutional right to vote.
The former lawmaker also urged residents not to panic over the deployment of a large number of security personnel across the state, saying the measure was meant to prevent crises, not to cause alarm.
He also noted that such deployments were not unusual during elections and could be a result of intelligence available to the Federal Government.
“Osun voters must not allow fear to discourage them from exercising their civic rights. They should come out in large numbers to vote.
“The presence of security should reassure our people that adequate measures are in place to protect them and ensure a peaceful process,” Oyintiloye said.
He urged eligible voters to remain calm, vigilant and courageous during the electoral process, noting that their participation remains essential to sustaining democracy.
Expressing concern over reports of violent attacks, killings and alleged extrajudicial actions linked to political activities, Oyintiloye added that 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.
“Government and relevant agencies should intensify public sensitisation and provide accurate information to counter rumours and misinformation.
“Security arrangements should remain intelligence-driven, especially in vulnerable communities, while rapid-response mechanisms should be strengthened,” Oyintiloye said.
Electorate in the state will be going to the poll on August 15 to elect a governor, and 14 political parties have been cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission to participate in the election.
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