Osun NDC Central Senatorial Aspirant Condemns Election Violence, Urges Tinubu’s Intervention
OSOGBO — A senatorial aspirant for Osun Central Senatorial District under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Nathaniel Oduyemi, has strongly condemned the recent wave of violence reportedly linked to political activities in parts of Osun State ahead of forthcoming elections, calling for urgent intervention by security agencies and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Oduyemi expressed deep concern over disturbing videos circulating on social media, which allegedly show political thugs engaging in violent attacks, destruction of property, and causing residents to flee for safety.
The senatorial hopeful described the incidents as unacceptable and inconsistent with the values and reputation of Osun State, stressing that political competition should never descend into violence.
Oduyemi condemned all forms of political violence, intimidation and lawlessness, regardless of political affiliation, insisting that no political ambition justifies the loss of human lives.
He called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to act decisively and impartially to restore order and ensure that those responsible for sponsoring or carrying out acts of violence are identified and prosecuted.
The NDC aspirant also appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene urgently to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
“The situation must not be allowed to deteriorate beyond control. Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.
“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.
“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.
“This is not the Osun we know, and certainly not the image our dear state should be projecting to Nigeria and the international community.
“Democracy should be a contest of ideas and vision, not a battlefield where lives are endangered”, Oduyemi said.
He warned that failure to act swiftly could expose residents to greater hardship and instability.
Addressing the role of young people in electoral violence, Oduyemi lamented the alleged recruitment of youths as political thugs, arguing that their talents and potential should be directed towards productive ventures rather than political violence.
“Our youths deserve much better than being recruited as political thugs. They should be encouraged to become entrepreneurs, innovators, industrial leaders and public servants, not instruments of violence in the hands of desperate politicians,” he said.
He further accused sponsors of political violence of exploiting vulnerable youths while shielding their own children from such dangers, vowing to pursue accountability against any political figure found culpable through lawful investigations.
“If investigations nail any political leader to these unrest, I will stop at nothing until such is seen behind bars,” he declared.
Oduyemi also appealed to parents, guardians, religious leaders and traditional rulers to discourage young people from participating in political violence, emphasizing the collective responsibility to safeguard peace and democratic values.
Reaffirming his commitment to peaceful and inclusive politics, the Osun Central aspirant pledged to champion youth empowerment initiatives through education, skills development, enterprise support and job creation if elected to the Senate.
He called for peace, dialogue and unity, urging all stakeholders to work together to preserve democracy and ensure a secure future for Osun 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,” the statement concluded.
