The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in the forthcoming Osun governorship election, Mr Adebayo Adewale, has called on political actors to embrace people-centred governance and shun violence.
Adewale made the call in an interview with newsmen on Thursday in Osogbo amid growing political tensions and reported incidents of violence involving supporters of major political parties in the state.
He said no political ambition was worth the loss of lives, stressing that Osun should not be turned into a battleground for political supremacy.
According to him, the state belongs to all residents and young people should not become victims of political rivalries, while families should not be thrown into mourning because politicians are struggling for power.
“Elections should be contests of ideas and programmes, not contests of violence,” he said.
Adewale described the endorsement of his candidacy by former Osun Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former Secretary to the State Government, Fatai Akinbade, and former PDP South-West Vice Chairman, Tajudeen Oladipo, as a reflection of the desire of many residents for a new political direction.
He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening local government autonomy, promoting transparency, encouraging investment, creating jobs for youths and women, modernising agriculture and advancing the digital economy.
“Our future cannot be built on bitterness, violence and endless political warfare. It must be built on peace, productivity, innovation, investment, quality education, food security and opportunities for every citizen.
“The time has come to end politics driven by power struggles and focus on policies that will improve the welfare of the people,” he said.
Adewale reiterated his campaign slogan, “One Osun, Productive People, Shared Prosperity,” describing it as a vision for a peaceful and prosperous state.
