OSUN: The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has strongly condemned the recent wave of political violence across the state, declaring that no political ambition is worth the loss of human life.
In a personal statement issued on Tuesday, Oyebamiji expressed deep concern over reports of attacks, injuries, destruction of property, and growing political intolerance in several parts of the State.
Addressing the people of the state, the APC candidate said he was saddened by the trauma and suffering inflicted on citizens and party supporters, offering prayers for the recovery of victims and comfort for affected families.
According to him, democracy must remain a contest of ideas and service, not a battlefield where innocent citizens become casualties of political rivalry.
“There is no political office, including the office of Governor, that is worth the blood of any human being. No ambition is greater than the value of human life, and no electoral victory can justify violence against fellow citizens,” he stated.
Oyebamiji specifically cited reported attacks on APC members and supporters in Owode-Ede, Ifeland, and Osogbo.
He alleged that APC supporters in Owode-Ede were attacked while campaign buses were vandalized. He also claimed that participants in a peaceful Walk-to-Live rally in Ifeland were assaulted by hoodlums, resulting in injuries to several attendees.
In Osogbo, he said party members were subjected to physical attacks, while reports suggested that some individuals may have been shot during the unrest, although he noted that the full extent of injuries and possible fatalities had yet to be independently verified.
The APC flagbearer condemned all forms of political violence, irrespective of the perpetrators, warning that intimidation, fear, and lawlessness have no place in a democratic society.
He further expressed concern over what he described as a growing atmosphere of insecurity and political intolerance in the state, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of any government.
Looking ahead to the November governorship election, Oyebamiji assured residents that security would be a top priority under his administration if elected.
He pledged a zero-tolerance approach to criminality, promising that no individual or group would enjoy political protection while engaging in unlawful activities.
“My administration will maintain zero tolerance for criminality. We shall not harbour criminals, encourage lawlessness, or look the other way while criminal elements operate under political protection. The rule of law shall prevail, and all citizens shall be equal before the law,” he said.
The APC candidate also urged supporters and residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and committed to democratic processes despite provocation.
Describing the current situation as a season of political brigandage and governance on auto-pilot, Oyebamiji expressed optimism that a new chapter of progressive leadership, peace, and prosperity awaits the state.
He pledged that a future APC administration would prioritize the welfare, security, and economic advancement of the people while restoring confidence in government institutions.
“Together, we shall restore confidence in government, strengthen our democratic institutions, and return Osun State to the path of progress and shared prosperity,” he concluded.
