The Osun State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called on political stakeholders and the electorate to ensure that the August 15 governorship election is conducted peacefully and free of rancour.
Making the appeal in a statement issued in Osogbo on Thursday, the State IPAC Chairman, Dr Tosin Odeyemi of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), stressed that Saturday’s election offers the people of Osun another vital opportunity to choose leaders capable of driving sustainable development in the state. He urged voters to cast their ballots according to their conscience.
Dr Odeyemi encouraged all registered voters to turn out en masse to exercise their civic duty, warning that voter apathy only paves the way for undemocratic elements to hijack the future of the state.
“Going to vote is your civic responsibility. Do not sell your vote. Do not allow anyone to intimidate you. Your PVC is your power to determine who governs you for the next four years,” Odeyemi stated.
Addressing the security architecture, the IPAC chairman charged security personnel deployed for the election to maintain strict professionalism, neutrality and diligence throughout the exercise.
“Their duty is to protect voters, electoral officials, materials, and result collation centres across the 30 local government areas of the state. You must ensure you do your job diligently without compromise,” he said.
He added that any acts of ballot snatching, thuggery or violence must be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law.
Odeyemi made a passionate appeal to parents and guardians to caution their wards against being exploited as political thugs or engaging in any activities capable of breaching public peace.
(The Sun)