Let Ballot, Not Violence, Decide Osun Election, IPCR Warns

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has cautioned political actors in Osun State against allowing violence and inflammatory rhetoric to undermine Saturday’s governorship election, emphasizing that the ballot should decide the winner. The warning was issued on Friday, as the state prepares to vote amid fears of election-related unrest.

Recent security assessments have flagged several local government areas as high or moderate risk for electoral violence. The IPCR urged candidates, parties, supporters, security forces, election officials and voters to prioritize the state’s well-being over party interests. It stressed that political competition should remain non-violent and urged candidates to call on supporters to avoid inflammatory language and actions that could heighten tensions.

The organization also cautioned against resorting to self-help if dissatisfied with the outcome, urging peaceful acceptance of the result or legal recourse. Voters were advised to resist recruitment into political violence and to maintain order at polling places. The IPCR warned citizens against spreading misinformation on social media and called on traditional, religious, community leaders, civil society groups, and the media to help prevent violence and curb hate speech.

The institute stressed that all stakeholders share responsibility for ensuring a peaceful election, and that the impact of violence can linger for years. It called for magnanimity from winners and peaceful acceptance of defeat from losers. The warning is particularly important as Osun prepares to vote after political parties signed a peace agreement.

The IPCR urged the people to preserve community peace and demonstrate maturity by allowing citizens to choose their governor through free, fair, and violence-free means.