The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged political actors and other stakeholders in Osun State to shun violence, intimidation and inflammatory rhetoric ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, insisting that the ballot, rather than coercion, must determine the choice of the people.
The warning came on Friday, less than 24 hours before voters across the state are scheduled to elect their governor, amid heightened concerns over election-related violence and security threats in several parts of Osun.
In a statement signed by its Director-General, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, the IPCR charged governorship candidates, political parties, their supporters, security agencies, election officials and voters to put the interest of the state above partisan considerations.
The Institute warned that political competition must not degenerate into violence, intimidation, threats, hate speech or destruction of property, noting that while political contests are temporary, the consequences of electoral violence could devastate individuals, families and communities for years.
“Elections should not be treated as a do-or-die affair,” the Institute said, urging political leaders and candidates to caution their supporters against inflammatory statements, misinformation and actions capable of escalating tensions.
It also called on candidates dissatisfied with the outcome of the election to seek redress through the courts rather than resorting to self-help.
The IPCR urged all political parties and candidates to respect the rules of democratic competition and demonstrate maturity before, during and after the election.
Voters were similarly advised to resist attempts by politicians or other actors to recruit them as agents of violence and to respect the rights of citizens supporting rival political parties.
The Institute called on voters to maintain order at polling units, respect election officials and security personnel, and avoid confrontations with political opponents.
It further warned against the spread of election-related misinformation, particularly on social media, urging citizens to verify information before sharing rumours or unconfirmed reports that could trigger unrest.
The appeal comes against a backdrop of heightened political tension in Osun, following reports of shootings, killings, clashes and other politically linked disturbances that have raised concerns about the security of the August 15 election.
A recent assessment by The Kukah Centre identified 15 local government areas as critical, high or moderate violence-risk zones, with Osogbo and Irewole classified as critical-risk areas.
Against this backdrop, the IPCR charged security agencies to remain professional, impartial and respectful of citizens’ rights while providing adequate protection for voters, election officials and electoral materials.
It also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its officials to discharge their responsibilities transparently and impartially, ensuring that eligible voters can cast their ballots without fear or intimidation.
The Institute called on traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, civil society organisations and the media to help prevent violence and discourage inflammatory rhetoric.
It stressed that responsibility for a peaceful election rests not only with security agencies and INEC but with every stakeholder participating in the electoral process.
Particular emphasis was placed on the post-election period, with the IPCR urging winners to be magnanimous in victory and losers to accept defeat peacefully or pursue legitimate grievances through the judicial process.
The warning comes after political parties in Osun had signed a peace accord committing themselves to peaceful, free and credible elections.
The IPCR therefore appealed to the people of Osun State to protect the peace in their communities and demonstrate democratic maturity by ensuring that political differences do not become a trigger for bloodshed.
It said the ultimate test of the election would be whether voters are allowed to freely choose their governor without violence, intimidation or coercion.
“Let the ballot, rather than violence, intimidation or coercion, determine the choice of the people,” the Institute urged.
