APC Does Not Need Violence To Win Osun Election – Chieftain

Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State has said that the party does not need to resort to violence to win the August 15 governorship election, stressing that violence does not secure electoral victory.

He also described claims linking the party and its candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, to rising political violence in the state as the handiwork of desperate politicians.

Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, said this while speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo.

“Neither the party nor its candidate has any link with individuals or groups alleged to be using APC’s name to perpetrate violence and create unrest in the state,” he said.

He said that the APC was rooted on the timeless Omoluabi ethos which stands for integrity, discipline, humility, honesty, respect, compassion, justice, accountability and selfless service.”

The APC chieftain, who condemned the killing of innocent residents for political reasons, said those responsible were people with a “dead conscience.”

He further said, “The APC is a party of peace and has no hand in the allegations of violence against it.

We condemn every form of violence, lawlessness and bloodshed, regardless of the status of those involved. “No political ambition, no partisan interest is worth the loss of a life. We appeal to those who are committing these acts to stop.

“As a progressive party, the APC is committed to peaceful coexistence, inclusiveness, tolerance, mutual respect, constructive engagement and people-centred leadership that prioritises the welfare, security and prosperity of citizens,” Oyintiloye added.

He maintained that the progressive family has never used violence or intimidation in its political activities.

He said that the APC had dissociated itself completely from any individual or group hiding under its name to perpetrate violence, create unrest, intimidate citizens or disrupt public peace in any part of the state.

Oyintiloye said the party believes in the democratic process, the rule of law and the sovereign right of the people to freely choose their leaders through peaceable and credible elections.

He cautioned that “anyone who seeks to cause mayhem, sponsor violence or use the APC’s name to justify criminal acts is acting in personal interest and should not be identified with the party.”

Such conduct is “inconsistent with the APC’s long-standing culture of moderation, civility and responsible political participation,” he said.

Oyintiloye then urged party members, political actors, security agencies and the general public to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant, while allowing relevant authorities to investigate all incidents and bring perpetrators to justice.

He reiterated the commitment of the APC to democracy, peace, justice and protection of lives and property, urging all stakeholders to put the unity, stability and development of Osun State above politics.

He sympathised with the families of victims of extrajudicial killings and other acts of violence in the state and prayed that God grants them the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.