By Ismail Azeez
As the Osun State governorship election approaches, the political temperature appears to be rising, with fresh concerns over alleged violence and the activities of suspected political thugs threatening to cast a shadow over the state’s democratic process.
A recent report of a daylight shooting incident in some parts of the state has triggered public outcry and renewed calls for urgent action from security agencies to prevent the situation from escalating.
Stakeholders have raised concerns over the incident, which reportedly came to light through a widely circulated video.
The situation has raised questions about the growing involvement of violence in political activities and the ability of relevant authorities to safeguard citizens as political engagements intensify.
According to a youth group, “The primary duty of the state is the protection of life and property, and this obligation admits of no political bias. We further demand an immediate and thorough investigation into the viral footage depicting armed elements affiliated with a particular political party engaging in shooting in Osogbo. Perpetrators must be identified and brought to justice without delay.”
The group further stated, “With elections imminent, the eruption of such violence in the pre-election period portends grave implications for election day itself. Should decisive action be lacking, the Coalition shall have no recourse but to explore the last recourse of organized civic engagement, including confrontation through lawful and constitutional means, to safeguard the peace and integrity of Osun State.”
“Osun State has long been recognized as one of the most peaceful states in the federation. That reputation must not be imperiled by the machinations of political desperation. We remain resolute in our demand for a peaceful electoral environment in which all political parties are afforded equal rights and protections under the law.”
This is the time for security agencies, including the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to demonstrate neutrality and ensure that all political actors operate within the ambit of the law.
For political parties and their supporters, the emerging challenge is to shift attention from confrontation to issue-based campaigns, allowing voters to make informed decisions based on policies, programmes, and performance.
The responsibility of preserving peace does not rest solely on security agencies. All political leaders, traditional institutions, civil society groups, and citizens have a role to play in ensuring that the state does not lose its reputation as a peaceful environment for democratic engagement as Osun approaches another crucial electoral season.