By Kevin Okunzuwa
The Osun Development Association (ODA) has urged political actors to refrain from inflammatory statements and actions capable of undermining peace ahead of the Aug. 15 Osun governorship election.
The Chairman of the association, Dr Segun Aina, gave the advice in a statement issued by the association’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Chris Adetayo, on Friday in Lagos.
Aina urged political leaders and their supporters to emulate Osun Gov. Ademola Adeleke, who is also the Accord Party Governorship Candidate, and his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, Chief Munirudeen Oyebamiji.
He said that both politicians demonstrated maturity at the funeral ceremony the mother of the APC National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru.
Aina urged other political actors to emulate the conduct.
He said their conduct reflected the kind of leadership expected of political actors and underscored the need for tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence ahead of the election.
According to Aina, although political parties may differ in ideology and compete for votes, they should not lose sight of their common humanity and collective interest.
“Respect across political divides is a hallmark of a mature democracy and an essential ingredient for peaceful elections,” he said.
Aina expressed the hope that the spirit displayed by Adeleke and Oyebamiji at the funeral ceremony would define the conduct of election candidates, party leaders and supporters during the 2026 governorship election in Osun.
He urged political actors to avoid statements, intimidation and other actions capable of causing tension.
“Elections should be contests of ideas, competence and vision, not contests of hostility or violence.
“The scenes witnessed at the funeral reminded us that despite our political differences, we remain one people with a shared responsibility to preserve the peace and stability of our state,” he said.
Aina reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to sustain dialogue, promote civic responsibility and encourage peaceful participation throughout the electoral process.
He said that every action promoting unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence ahead of the election would strengthen democracy in the state.
Aina said the association would continue to champion initiatives encouraging dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful democratic engagement for the benefit of the people of Osun.
He said that peace, stability and development of Osun remained a collective responsibility, and called on the state residents to continue supporting initiatives that would foster harmony before, during and after the election.
He quoted Adetayo as saying that electioneering should not be at the expense of peace, mutual respect and shared values but issue-based and violence-free in line with objectives of the Osun 2026 Democratic Governance, Peace and Electoral Integrity Summit recently organised by ODA. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
KOO/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola