The campaign team backing Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s appeal for security personnel to remain impartial during the state’s governorship election on Saturday.
In a statement released in Osogbo on Friday, the Imole Campaign Council said the President’s position could help create a peaceful atmosphere and give voters confidence to participate in the election.
The group’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, called on the police and other agencies deployed for the poll to carry out their duties fairly and avoid actions that could suggest support for any political party.
He said security officials must give priority to the safety of voters and ensure that people can reach polling centres and cast their ballots without harassment or intimidation.
The council also drew attention to the President’s instruction to Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu and other security chiefs to strengthen arrangements around polling stations and protect citizens throughout the voting process.
It equally welcomed Tinubu’s appeal to the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that the election meets the required standards of credibility and transparency.
Despite its support for the directive, the council expressed reservations about what it described as previous concerns surrounding police conduct. It therefore urged officers assigned to the election to avoid political interference and treat participants equally.
The group also appealed to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to monitor the implementation of the President’s instructions and ensure that the security agencies comply.
According to the council, anyone who attempts to disrupt voting should face the law, irrespective of the political party they belong to.
It stressed that voters should be allowed to make their choices without pressure, while polling locations must remain safe throughout the exercise.
The campaign council finally encouraged Osun residents to participate in Saturday’s election peacefully and vote for whichever candidate they believe deserves their support.
