Osun 2026: APC diaspora chieftain calls for magnanimity, reconciliation
Mr Ayoola Lawal, former secretary, APC Committee of Diaspora Chairmen, has urged political leaders to embrace magnanimity and reconciliation following the Osun governorship election on Saturday.
Lawal, who is also a former APC Scandinavia chairman, made this known in a statement in Lagos on Tuesday.
Newsmen recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission on Saturday conducted the governorship election in Osun where the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, was reelected with 511067 votes.
Lawal appealed to the governor to demonstrate magnanimity in the aftermath of the election by ensuring that the families of those who lost their lives during the campaign period receive appropriate support from the state.
He said: “Magnanimity in victory was one of the greatest tests of leadership, the winner had an opportunity to demonstrate that victory was not about revenge, humiliation or exclusion.
“It is about bringing people together and governing for everyone.
“The events surrounding the election should provide an opportunity for Osun and Nigeria to reflect seriously on the dangers of political violence.
“An election lasts for a day. Political office lasts for a period. But the consequences of losing a loved one can last for generations.”
He stressed that such assistance should be extended without regard to political affiliation.
The chieftain said: “The dead cannot participate in politics anymore. Their families should not be made to suffer because their loved ones belonged to one political party or another.
“The government has a responsibility to show compassion to every affected family.”
According to him, supporting the bereaved families will send a powerful message that the government recognises the value of every citizen’s life, regardless of political affiliation.
Lawal urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the killings and acts of violence recorded during the electioneering and campaign period.
The chieftain commended the people of Osun for what he described as a significant demonstration that democratic values are still alive and striving in Nigeria.
He noted that while political competition could be intense, it must never descend into violence or cost citizens their lives.
“No election, political ambition or public office is worth the life of a Nigerian. Political disagreements should never become a licence to kill.
“I urge security agencies to thoroughly investigate reported killings that occurred during the campaign and electioneering period.
“These incidents should not be forgotten simply because the election itself has been concluded,” he said.
He called for a professional, impartial and evidence-based investigation into the circumstances surrounding each death, including allegations concerning individuals who may have incited, encouraged, facilitated or participated in acts of violence.
Where credible evidence establishes criminal responsibility, Lawal said those responsible should be prosecuted irrespective of their political status, party affiliation or influence.
“He said agencies must fish out those responsible for these killings. This should include anyone who may have instigated or encouraged violence.
“However, the process must be based on evidence and due process. Justice must never become an instrument of political vendetta.”
Lawal, therefore, called on political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations and community leaders to work collectively.
He added that this was toward ensuring that future elections in Osun would be characterised by peaceful competition, respect for human life and confidence in democratic institutions.
Lawal commended the people of Osun for demonstrating that, regardless of the country’s political challenges, democracy would continue to strive in the country.
He said: “Osun has shown the world that Nigerians still believe in democracy.
“Let us now show the world that democracy can also be humane, that we can compete fiercely without killing, disagree without becoming enemies, and win without seeking vengeance.”