Osun 2026: Oyintiloye calls for peace, responsible political engagements 

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on political actors in Osun to sue for peace and shun violence ahead of the Aug. 15 governorship election.

Oyintiloye stressed that the APC remained a peaceful political party.

He appealed to all stakeholders and members of the public to promote peace, tolerance and responsible political engagement ahead of the election.

He made the call while addressing newsmen during an empowerment programme for informal workers organised at his campaign office in his country home in Ibokun, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun.

The programme attracted a large gathering of informal workers, including barbers, hairdressers, fumigators, welders, textile workers, members of the National Union of Tailors and Electrical Workers, market men and women, commercial motorcyclists and members of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA).

Also present were members of non-indigenous communities, including the Igede, Idoma and Tiv communities from Benue residing in Obokun Local Government Area.

Speaking at the event, Oyintiloye said the empowerment programme was part of his efforts to support hardworking residents and strengthen grassroots participation in governance.

He urged the beneficiaries to see the gesture as a demonstration of his commitment to the welfare of ordinary citizens, particularly those whose livelihoods depended on their daily businesses and skills.

Oyintiloye appealed to the participants to return to their respective communities en masse and vote for Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) and the APC, assuring them that their support would translate into meaningful dividends of governance.

He further assured them that an AMBO-led administration would prioritise inclusive governance, economic empowerment, skills development and improved opportunities for the informal sector, stressing that no segment of society would be left behind.

A community leader, Bishop Michael Adewale, commended the initiative, describing it as a practical demonstration of grassroots-oriented politics and concern for the welfare of ordinary citizens.

He urged the beneficiaries to remain united and peaceful before, during and after the election, stressing that political differences should not be allowed to destroy the existing bonds among the people.

Speaking on behalf of the artisans and other informal workers, Comrade Tijani Bello expressed appreciation to the former Gov. Gboyega Oyetola administration for the gesture extended to them during the civic engagement programme led by Oyintiloye.

He eulogised the former lawmaker for organising the empowerment programme and recognising the important role played by artisans in the economic development of the state.

Bello said artisans constituted a significant part of the grassroots economy and deserved a government that understood their challenges and provided access to empowerment, skills development, financial support, infrastructure and better economic opportunities.

He assured the organisers that the artisans would take the message of the programme back to their various communities and mobilise support for AMBO and the APC.

The beneficiaries also expressed appreciation to Oyintiloye for remembering workers at the grassroots and bringing together people from different occupations and communities.

They described the programme as a demonstration of unity, inclusion and grassroots empowerment and pledged to take the message of peace and support for AMBO and the APC back to their respective communities.

Oyintiloye finally appealed to residents of Obokun and Osun State to exercise their franchise peacefully and ensure that the forthcoming election was conducted in an atmosphere of peace, unity, tolerance and mutual respect.