The All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye has said that the party does not need to resort to violence to win the August 15 governorship election, stressing that violence does not secure electoral victory.
He also described claims that the party and its candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, were linked to the rising political violence in the state as the handiwork of desperate politicians.
The former lawmaker made this known while speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo.
“The party and its candidate have no connection with individuals or groups alleged to be using the APC’s name to perpetrate violence and create unrest in the state,” he said.
He said the APC was founded on the time-honoured Omoluabi ethos which stands for integrity, discipline, humility, honesty, respect, compassion, justice, accountability and selfless service.”
Condemning the killing of innocent residents for political reasons, the APC chieftain said those responsible were people with a “dead conscience.
He also said, “APC is a party of peace and has no hand in the allegations of violence against it.
We condemn all violence, lawlessness and bloodshed, whatever the status of those involved. “No political ambition, no partisan interest can justify the loss of a life. We urge those who are perpetrating these acts to desist.
“The APC as a progressive party is committed to peaceful co-existence, inclusiveness, tolerance, mutual respect, constructive engagement and people-centred leadership that prioritise the welfare, security and prosperity of the citizens,” Oyintiloye said.
He asserted that the progressive family has never resorted to violence or intimidation in its political activities.
He said the APC had dissociated itself completely from any individual or group hiding under its name to perpetrate violence, create unrest, intimidate citizens or disrupt public peace in any part of the state.
Oyintiloye said the party believes in the democratic process, the rule of law and the sovereign right of the people to freely choose their leaders through peaceable and credible elections.
He cautioned that “anyone who seeks to cause mayhem, sponsor violence or use the APC’s name to justify criminal acts is acting in personal interest and should not be identified with the party”.
Such conduct was “inconsistent with the APC’s long-standing culture of moderation, civility and responsible political participation,” he said.
Oyintiloye then charged party members, political actors, security agencies and the general public to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant and allow relevant authorities to investigate all incidents and bring perpetrators to justice.
He reiterated the APC’s commitment to democracy, peace, justice and protection of lives and property, and urged all stakeholders to put the unity, stability and development of Osun State above politics.
He expressed his sympathy for the families of victims of extrajudicial killings and other acts of violence in the state and prayed that God grants them the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
