OsunDecides2022: INEC Calls For Peace From Candidates

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun has appealed to governorship candidates contesting the July 16 election to maintain the peace irrespective of its outcome.

Professor. Abdulganiyu Raji, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun, made the appeal in Osogbo on Tuesday while speaking at a stakeholders meeting organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relation (NIPR).

The stakeholders meeting tagged ‘Omoluabi Convergence’ had in attendance seven of the governorship candidates or representatives, chieftains of political parties, representatives of security agencies and journalists.

The REC advised the governorship candidates that anyone who felt cheated after the election should follow due process and seek redress in the court.

“Candidates should not disrupt the peace of the state and unleash violence because they feel cheated or feel their mandate has been stolen.

“For candidates that feel cheated, there are legal procedures to follow to fight for their mandate. Election is not a battle. It is not do or die.” he said.

Raji also warned against vote buying and advised the electorates not to sell their votes.

He said that the electorate should rather vote for a candidate and party that would stimulate the socio, political, and economic development of the state.

The REC said that though INEC does not have the power to stop vote buying or selling, the practice was, however, illegal and the security agencies and police have been mandated to enforce the law.

Also, the Commissioner of Police in Osun, Olawale Olokode, listed out all the acts and actions which constituted electoral offences and general offences.

Olokode equally assured of adequate security before, during, and after the election.

Some of the governorship candidates or their representatives in attendance at the meeting also gave their plans/manifesto for the state, if elected.

15 governorship candidates will on July 16 slug it out at the polls for the office currently occupied by Governor Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC).