APC chieftain distances party from Osun pre-election violence

A former member representing Obokun State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, on Sunday distanced the All Progressives Congress from the recent wave of violence in the state.

Oyintiloye, an APC chieftain, blamed what he described as “desperate politicians” for sponsoring the unrest.

There has been an increase in incidents of violence across Osun State in recent weeks, with the situation linked to the forthcoming governorship election.

The two major political parties in the state, the ruling Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress, have, however, been trading blame over the development.

The APC chieftain, while calling for peace, absolved the party’s governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, of any blame for the rising political violence in the state, adding that neither the party nor its candidate had any connection with individuals or groups allegedly using the APC’s name to perpetrate violence and create unrest.

He condemned the killing of innocent residents for political gain, saying those responsible had “dead consciences.”

He further said, “The APC is a party of peace and has nothing to do with the allegations of violence against it.

“We condemn every form of violence, lawlessness and bloodshed, irrespective of the status of those involved. No political ambition or partisan interest is worth the loss of a human life. We urge those perpetrating these acts to desist.”

He said the APC did not need to engage in violence to win the forthcoming governorship election, stressing that violence does not guarantee electoral victory.

He maintained that the progressives would never embrace violence or intimidation as a means of political engagement, insisting that the APC had completely dissociated itself from any individual or group hiding under its name to perpetrate violence.

He emphasised that the APC believes in the democratic process, the rule of law and the sovereign right of the people to freely choose their leaders through peaceful and credible elections.

He warned, “Anyone who seeks to cause mayhem, sponsor violence or use the APC’s name to justify criminal acts is acting in a personal interest and should not be identified with the party.

“Such conduct is inconsistent with the APC’s long-established culture of moderation, civility and responsible political participation.”

He subsequently called on party members, political actors, security agencies and the general public to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant while allowing the relevant authorities to investigate all incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.