Abuja: The Osun Development Association (ODA) has urged political actors to refrain from inflammatory statements and actions capable of undermining peace ahead of the Aug. 15 Osun governorship election. The Chairman of the association, Dr. Segun Aina, gave the advice in a statement issued by the association’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Adetayo.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Aina encouraged political leaders and their supporters to emulate Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is also the Accord Party Governorship Candidate, and his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, Chief Munirudeen Oyebamiji. Aina highlighted that both politicians demonstrated maturity at the funeral ceremony for the mother of the APC National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, urging others to follow suit.
The conduct of Adeleke and Oyebamiji at the event, Aina noted, reflected the leadership expected of political actors and underscored the need for tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence ahead of the election. Aina pointed out that while political parties may differ in ideology and compete for votes, it is essential not to lose sight of common humanity and collective interest. He stated, “Respect across political divides is a hallmark of a mature democracy and an essential ingredient for peaceful elections.”
Aina expressed hope that the spirit displayed by Adeleke and Oyebamiji would define the conduct of election candidates, party leaders, and supporters during the 2026 governorship election in Osun. He urged political actors to avoid statements, intimidation, and other actions capable of causing tension, emphasizing that elections should focus on ideas, competence, and vision rather than hostility or violence.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working with stakeholders to sustain dialogue, promote civic responsibility, and encourage peaceful participation throughout the electoral process. Aina highlighted that actions promoting unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence would strengthen democracy in the state. He added that the association would continue to champion initiatives encouraging dialogue, mutual respect, and democratic engagement for the benefit of the people of Osun.
Aina stressed that peace, stability, and development of Osun are a collective responsibility, urging residents to support initiatives fostering harmony before, during, and after the election. He quoted Adetayo, stating that electioneering should not come at the expense of peace, mutual respect, and shared values but should remain issue-based and violence-free, aligning with the objectives of the Osun 2026 Democratic Governance, Peace and Electoral Integrity Summit recently organized by ODA.