The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is concerned about the spate of violence that has characterised campaigns ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed this while speaking on the security situation ahead of the poll.
Haruna, however, expressed optimism that the election would remain peaceful despite the violence recorded during the campaign period.
“Obviously, it’s not conducive. If you have this level of violence, INEC is, of course, worried,” he said.
He said the commission had witnessed similar situations in previous elections, citing the governorship elections in Anambra and Edo states as examples.
According to him, the situation in Anambra was particularly tense, with political parties at the time calling for the suspension of the election because of the level of violence.
He said INEC nevertheless proceeded with the election, which eventually turned out to be one of the most peaceful polls.
“If you recall, we had a similar situation in Anambra. It was so intense, the violence and so on, that I remember one of the meetings we had with the political parties themselves. Some of them called for the suspension of the election.
“But we decided to still forge ahead. And at the end of the day, that election was one of the most peaceful,” Haruna said.
READ ALSO: Use Osun Money for Osun People — Akpabio’s Message to Oyebamiji
He also recalled a similar situation during the Edo State governorship election, noting that violence during campaigns did not necessarily determine how peaceful the eventual election would be.
Haruna urged stakeholders and voters to remain hopeful and work towards a peaceful electoral process, despite the violence that had preceded Saturday’s election.
“The hope is that, in spite of the violence that has preceded the election, that is, the campaigns and so on, we will still have a very peaceful election,” he said.
