Residents of Osun State have raised concerns over the growing cases of political violence and killings ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, warning that the situation could affect voter turnout and the credibility of the poll.
Some residents who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday also expressed fears about whether the election would be peaceful and free from disruptions that could lead to inconclusive results or cancellation.
A civil servant, Mr Seun Akinboboye, said the rising political tension and killings could discourage voters from exercising their franchise.
Akinboboye urged candidates and other political actors to restrain their supporters and ensure they obeyed the rules to prevent violence.
He also called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for voters on Election Day and enable them to perform their civic responsibilities without fear.
Similarly, a businesswoman, Mrs Demilola Olasunkanmi, said the activities of political thugs had heightened tension across the state and required urgent intervention.
Olasunkanmi urged security agencies to strengthen security during and after the election, adding that only essential workers on official duty should be allowed to move around during the poll to enhance public safety.
She also advised residents to remain cautious and vigilant against possible threats.
Another resident, Mrs Elizabeth Oluwatoyin, said the violence had created fear within her family and could prevent them from voting.
“All these politicians are the same. It is always about their selfish interest and enriching themselves and their families”.
“I will not, because of the election, let them kill me. They have been killing each other for the past two to three months”.
“I have told my daughter to be careful and not discuss politics anywhere, so they don’t turn her into their target”.
“Likewise, I have appealed to my husband not to risk his life for any politician because, at the end of the day, the politicians will reconcile.
“As the whole thing is going, I don’t think anybody from my family will go out and vote in this coming governorship election,” she said.
However, an elderly resident, Mr Ajeniwura Adeoye, said the intimidation and violence could discourage many voters from participating in the election.
Adeoye, who said he had voted since 1979, maintained that he would not allow fear to prevent him from exercising his franchise.
“Look at me, I am almost 70 years old and I have been voting since 1979.
“I cannot be intimidated at my age and prevented from coming out now to vote for the candidate I want.
“I know the killings and shootings are intended to discourage people from coming out to vote.
“I know a lot of people will be concerned about their safety, but I will just admonish them to come out and exercise their franchise to choose who they want to govern the state.
“The police have given assurances that they will provide security, so people should trust the police and come out to vote,” he said.
Adeoye urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial and called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for voters on Election Day.
A businesswoman, Mrs Ronke Ajibade, said she expected a peaceful election without bloodshed or killings.
Ajibade said she remained willing to vote if the security situation stayed calm, while urging candidates and political parties to respect electoral rules and reject violence.
Mr Olawale Ibrahim, a resident of Owode-Ede, described the political atmosphere as frightening and warned that continued tension could keep voters away from polling units.
Ibrahim urged political actors to treat the election as a democratic contest with winners and losers, rather than a do-or-die affair.
NAN reports that several killings have been recorded in Osun ahead of the election, with political parties trading accusations and counter-accusations over the incidents.
source: NAN
