The Partnership for Ethical Governance, a pro-democracy coalition, has called for a peaceful, credible and violence-free governorship election in Osun State on August 15.
The group called on political parties, security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the electorate to collectively ensure a peaceful election in Osun State.
The group, led by Mr Debo Adeniran, made the call in Osogbo at a press briefing themed, “Safeguarding Democracy Through Peaceful, Credible and Violence-Free Elections.”
READ ALSO: INEC Pledges Credible Osun Governorship Election
He urged all registered voters in Osun State to come out peacefully on election day and freely exercise their civic responsibility, saying democracy only derives its legitimacy from the participation of the people.
Elections are Ephemeral
Adeniran noted that while elections are temporary, the peace, unity and development of Osun State are enduring values that must be protected by every stakeholder.
“Election campaigns should be centred on ideas, policies and programmes capable of improving the welfare of the people rather than promoting hostility and division.
“Hence, politicians should ensure disputes arising from the election are resolved through constitutional and legal channels instead of resorting to violence or self-help.”
Election Security
On election security, Adeniran urged the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Army, the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other relevant institutions to collectively protect lives, safeguard democratic institutions and ensure every eligible voter is able to cast a ballot without fear or intimidation.
He urged the security agencies to translate their commitment to peace into professionalism, neutrality and fairness throughout the electoral process.
Adeniran, who described INEC as the custodian of public confidence in the democratic process, noted that the credibility of the Osun election depends largely on INEC’s transparency, neutrality, professionalism and strict compliance with the Electoral Act.
“We urge the Commission to ensure the timely deployment of personnel and sensitive materials, seamless operation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), transparent accreditation of voters, proper collation of results and prompt declaration of outcomes that truly reflect the will of the electorate.
“Every valid vote must count, and every result announced must faithfully represent the choices made by voters at the polling units,” he stated.
