Election not a do-or-die affair

The Labour Party candidate in the August 9 Osun State governorship election, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, has urged politicians to work for the progress of the country and eschew violence before, during and after elections.

In a statement by his media aide, Mr. Kayode Oladeji, the LP candidate said election should not be seen as a do-or-die affair, adding that the electorate should be allowed to choose their leaders without any form of coercion.

He noted that this could only be achieved if the import of the lessons inherent in the fasting exercise during Ramadan were adhered to.

Akinbade, who said peace was important for any society to move forward, added that electoral violence was pointless, since it is only God that had the power to install and remove rulers.

He said, “While felicitating with our Muslims brothers on the completion of yet another successful month of holy Ramadan, I want to passionately appeal to politicians and stakeholders to always work for the progress of the country.

“The violence that normally accompany the quest for power acquisition, should be done away with. If truly we believe in God, then we must know that it is Him alone that can install or remove a ruler.”

The LP candidate advised his fellow contenders in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election not to force themselves on the electorate at all cost.

“We cannot force ourselves on the people. Their right to choose whoever they prefer, should be respected without any form of coercion. If this is allowed, then our democracy will be firmly rooted,” he said.

Akinbade sued for peace and appealed to supporters of parties vying for the coveted seat to refrain from violence before, during and after the August 9 governorship poll.