…warn against political thuggery

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

National Assembly candidates of the Accord Party in Ogun State have condemned the reported violence, intimidation and political thuggery in Osun State ahead of the Saturday governorship election in the State, declaring their support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s second-term bid.

The candidates also warned political actors against attempting to import what they described as political violence and brigandage in Osun State into Ogun, saying the state would not be intimidated or bullied.

The candidates stated this in a communiqué issued after their meeting with the Accord Party Chairman in Ogun State, Hon. Oke Rotimi Michael.

Those present at the meeting included Ogun Central Senatorial candidate, Hon. Ajetunmobi Lateef Abiola; Ogun East Senatorial candidate, Hon. Qudus Oluwaseun; Ogun West Senatorial candidate, Hon. Salaudeen Fatai; Remo Federal Constituency candidate, Hon. Abidogun Damilare Moses; Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency candidate, Hon. Afolabi Oladiran Jonathan; and Abeokuta South Federal Constituency candidate, Hon. Dasaolu Babatunde.

In the communiqué signed by Hon. Salaudeen Fatai on behalf of the Accord Party Ogun State National Assembly candidates, yhe candidates expressed solidarity with the people of Osun State and called on them to remain peaceful while exercising their democratic rights.

They also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to remain impartial and professional in the discharge of their duties.

The candidates said security agencies should take proactive measures to protect voters and candidates and ensure that perpetrators and sponsors of electoral violence were investigated and prosecuted.

They said, “we strongly condemn the violence, intimidation and political thuggery in Osun State and express our solidarity with the people of Osun.

“We also warn against any attempt to import the violence and political brigandage witnessed in Osun into Ogun State. Ogun will not be intimidated or bullied.”

The candidates reaffirmed their support for Adeleke’s re-election, urging voters in Osun State to remain resolute and protect their democratic rights through the ballot.

They said, “We call on the people of Osun to remain peaceful and resolute, protect their democratic rights and vote accordingly for the re-election of Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke.”

The Ogun Accord candidates further called on INEC and security agencies to ensure that the electoral process was free, fair, transparent and credible, stressing that those who sponsor or perpetrate political violence must be held accountable regardless of their political affiliations.

They urged all political actors to respect the rule of law and avoid actions capable of undermining peace and democratic participation.

The candidates reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful, credible and violence-free elections, declaring that the choice of voters must ultimately prevail.

“The Accord Party remains committed to peaceful, credible, transparent and violence-free elections. We call on all political actors to respect the rule of law and allow the will of the people to prevail.

“The people’s choice must prevail,” they declared.