Election campaigns: Police advise politicians against violence in Ogun

The Police Command in Ogun has advised politicians in the state to desist from violence as they kick off the scramble for votes in the 2023 general elections.

Its spokesperson, SP Abimbola Oyeyemi, gave the advice in an interview on Wednesday in Ota, Ogun.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lifted the ban on campaigns for 2023 general elections on Wednesday, Sept. 28.

Oyeyemi, while reacting to the lifting of the ban, emphasised the need for peaceful campaigns ahead of the the 2023 elections in the state.

“Politicians should desist from violence during campaigns and make their campaigns issue-based, rather than personal attacks on anybody.

“In addition, no one should allow himself to be used as political thug. Election is not a do or die affair,” he said.

The PPRO, however, appealed to politicians and their followers to play the game of politics according to the rules guiding the election process.

Oyeyemi said that party leaders needed to encourage their followers to shun violence and ensure the campaigns are as peaceful as possible.

The PPRO also said that the police would hold a sensitisation on Oct. 6, with stakeholders, politicians, security agencies and member of the public, to educate them against violence during the elections.