NDC Chieftain Demands Police Nab Election Violence Sponsors — Osun

Nathaniel Oduyemi, a prominent figure within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Osun State, has issued a strong call for security agencies, including the police, to actively identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals responsible for sponsoring political violence. This appeal comes in anticipation of the state's August 15 governorship election. Oduyemi also emphatically stated that those behind these violent acts must not be allowed to evade justice, asserting that political aspirations should never take precedence over the safety and lives of citizens.

In a statement he personally released on Saturday, the politician expressed profound distress over video footage circulating widely on social media platforms. These videos allegedly depict political thugs engaging in attacks on people, destroying property, and forcing residents to flee for their safety. “I have watched with deep pain and concern the disturbing events unfolding across parts of Osun State ahead of the forthcoming elections. The horrifying videos circulating on social media, showing vehicles allegedly conveying political thugs, violent attacks, destruction of property and innocent citizens running for safety, have left me heartbroken,” he conveyed.

Oduyemi further commented that such violence is inconsistent with Osun State's cherished values and reputation. He declared, “This is not the Osun we know, and certainly not the image our dear state should be projecting to Nigeria and the international community.” He unequivocally condemned “every act of political violence, intimidation and lawlessness allegedly perpetrated by individuals associated with any political party,” reiterating his belief that no political office is worth the sacrifice of human lives. “No political ambition is worth the blood of any son or daughter of Osun State. Democracy should be a contest of ideas and vision, not a battlefield where lives are endangered,” Oduyemi added.

He urged the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security outfits to respond promptly and without bias to prevent the situation from worsening. “The situation must not be allowed to deteriorate beyond control. Those responsible for sponsoring or carrying out acts of violence must be identified, shamed and brought to justice. Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done,” he emphasized. Additionally, Oduyemi appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and help restore peace and order in Osun State. “As the leader of the nation, I urge Mr President to ensure that every necessary step is taken to restore calm, protect lives and property, and reassure the people of Osun that democracy will not be undermined by violence. Failure to act swiftly could expose our people to greater hardship and unimaginable disaster,” he warned.

Reaffirming his dedication to peaceful, issue-driven politics, Oduyemi stated he would never resort to violence in his pursuit of political office. He voiced particular concern over the recruitment of young people as political thugs, advocating instead for the empowerment of the state’s youth to become future leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. “Our youths deserve much better than being recruited as political thugs. They possess enormous talents, intelligence and creativity that should be harnessed for the development of our state and our nation,” he asserted. He also highlighted that those who orchestrate political violence often protect their own children from such dangers while exposing less privileged youths to harm. “If investigations nail any political leader to these unrest, I will stop at nothing until such is seen behind bars,” Oduyemi declared.

He implored young people to reject any invitations to partake in violence, cautioning that the repercussions could endure for generations. “Elections will come and go, but the consequences of violence may remain for generations,” he stated. He further called upon parents, guardians, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to guide young people away from being exploited by politicians to instigate trouble. The senatorial aspirant pledged that, if elected to represent Osun Central Senatorial District, he would champion policies aimed at empowering youths through quality education, skills acquisition, enterprise development, and job creation. He concluded by praying for peace and encouraging all stakeholders to collaborate in safeguarding democracy within the state. “May wisdom prevail over anger, dialogue over violence, and peace over conflict. Together, let us preserve the sanctity of our democracy and build an Osun State where every citizen can live without fear,” he concluded.