A meeting held by the Osun State Police Command to address escalating political violence ahead of the governorship election was marked by the notable absence of the All Progressives Congress and the Accord Party. This gathering in Osogbo brought together various stakeholders, including media representatives, civil society groups, and political candidates, to discuss maintaining order during the election cycle.
Prince Adesoji Masilo of the Boot Party and Simeon Adebayo of the Allied Peoples Movement publicly criticized the two absent parties, suggesting they were involved in recent unrest. Police Commissioner Ibrahim Gotan stressed the necessity of notifying security forces before holding any rallies or processions to ensure proper safety measures and traffic management.
The Commissioner also condemned the vandalism of campaign materials, labeling such behavior illegal and counterproductive to a peaceful environment. He urged candidates to steer clear of nocturnal campaigns, thuggery, and hate speech. Adding to these sentiments, Resident Electoral Commissioner Oluwatoyin Babalola expressed deep concern over recent fatalities linked to political friction. She urged all participants to prioritize civic responsibility and conduct campaigns based on policy rather than aggression.
