A civil society group, The Osun Mastermind, has called on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to ensure peaceful conduct before, during, and after the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

The group’s executive director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, gave the advice in Oshogbo on Saturday.

Mr Oyedokun-Alli said that a disturbing video of a political party supporter displaying a cap seized from a supporter of another party somewhere in the state has heightened political tension.

He said that such actions could trigger a spiral into a breakdown of law and order if reprisals are taken by the other actors.

“We call on all political actors to respect the choices of others and go about the business of campaigns peacefully and with development as the ultimate goal of the campaigns.

“Political leaders must also caution followers to desist from acts that constitute oppression, suppression, intimidation, cyberbullying, violence against persons and defamation.

“If our collective goal is to develop Osun, then we can all go about the campaigns peacefully with respect for the choices of other participants and their supporters,” he said.

Mr Oyedokun-Alli also said that political parties or groups must uphold these important tenets to sustain the country’s democracy and ensure the success of elections.

He further called on political stakeholders with a good conscience to ensure that the governorship elections in the state were successful. 

(NAN)