Police convene Osun peace meeting without Accord and APC ahead of governorship election

By Shina Abubakar

OSOGBO — The Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) were notably absent from Wednesday’s discussion as the Osun State Police Command hosted a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at reducing political violence ahead of the state’s governorship election.

The police‑organized peace parley brought together representatives from political parties, civil society, media, students and other stakeholders to encourage peaceful conduct during the electioneering period.

Speaking for the participating parties, Boot Party governorship candidate Prince Adesoji Masilo and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate Simeon Adebayo expressed concern over the APC and Accord Party’s absence, alleging that both parties had been linked to recent political tensions in the state.

Osun State Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan addressed the attendees, urging political parties and candidates to notify security agencies in advance of rallies, campaigns, processions and other political gatherings.

He said that timely notification would allow security personnel to deploy effectively, provide adequate coverage, manage traffic, prevent clashes and safeguard participants and the public.

“Security agencies can only plan effectively when they are informed in good time,” Gotan said.

The commissioner also warned against the destruction, defacement or removal of opponents’ campaign materials, describing such acts as unlawful and capable of escalating hostility.

“The destruction, defacement or removal of opponents’ billboards, banners, posters and other campaign materials must stop. Such acts are not only unlawful but are capable of provoking retaliation, creating tension and escalating political hostility. Political competition should be based on ideas, policies and programmes, not on the destruction of property belonging to opponents,” he stated.

Gotan further advised political actors to avoid late‑night rallies, discourage thuggery and gangsterism, refrain from sponsoring political violence and shun hate speech, inflammatory comments and inciting statements that could threaten public peace.

Also speaking at the meeting, Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun State Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola lamented recent incidents of political violence that have claimed lives and heightened fears among residents and stakeholders.

She called on parties, candidates and supporters to embrace issue‑based campaigns, sportsmanship and respect for the rule of law.

“The recent incidents of violence, which unfortunately resulted in the loss of lives, have created an atmosphere of apprehension among citizens and stakeholders. We must collectively reject hate speech, incitement, misinformation and any action capable of threatening the peace and security of our communities,” Babalola said.

The meeting was part of efforts by security agencies and electoral stakeholders to promote peaceful campaigns and prevent further violence ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.