By Moromoke Akanji
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has described election violence as a major threat to peaceful democratic transitions.
Issa-Onilu said this on Tuesday in Osogbo at a news conference tagged “Campaign Against Voter Apathy and Vote Buying: Towards a Violence-Free Election and Massive Turnout”.
He urged political stakeholders to ensure that the Aug. 15 governorship election in Osun does not degenerate into violence, destruction of property, intimidation or a breakdown of law and order.
The NOA boss also cautioned youths in the state against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of violence, political thuggery or electoral disruption.
Issa-Onilu, who was represented by the agency’s Zonal Director, Mr Kehinde Ogunkuade, said no political ambition was worth the loss of human lives.
He urged political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to embrace issue-based campaigns, tolerance, dialogue and peaceful coexistence before, during and after the election.
Issa-Onilu decried persistent voter apathy in the country, noting that it continued to undermine democratic development.
According to him, many citizens have become discouraged and believe their votes do not count, while others have lost confidence in governance and therefore abstain from elections.
“We must collectively reject this attitude. Every eligible voter in Osun must understand that voting is not merely a political activity; it is a civic duty and a patriotic responsibility.
“The future of our communities, our state and our democracy depends on the choices we make at the polls,” he said.
He urged eligible voters to turn out peacefully on election day and exercise their constitutional rights without fear, intimidation or inducement.
The NOA boss also warned against vote buying and selling, describing the practice as a threat to credible elections.
“The exchange of votes for money or material gifts destroys the integrity of elections and weakens governance.
“When votes are bought, leadership becomes transactional rather than accountable to the people,” he said.
Issa-Onilu further urged the electorate to recognise that temporary financial gains from vote selling could not outweigh the long-term consequences of poor governance, including inadequate infrastructure, unemployment, insecurity and weak social services.
“We must resist all attempts by politicians or their agents to compromise our conscience and dignity through inducement. Democracy loses its value when votes become commodities,” he said.
He commended security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their preparations toward ensuring a peaceful and credible election.
Issa-Onilu also appealed to political actors to conduct their campaigns responsibly and avoid actions capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.
“As citizens, we all have a role to play in protecting democracy. Peaceful elections strengthen national unity, promote development and deepen public confidence in democratic institutions.
“Let us work together to ensure that the Osun governorship election becomes a model of peaceful participation, electoral integrity and democratic maturity for the entire nation,” he said.(NAN) www.nannews.ng
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Edited Victor Adeoti