A senatorial aspirant for Osun Central under the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Nathaniel Oduyemi, has raised alarm over increasing cases of political violence in Osun State ahead of the coming elections, calling for urgent steps to restore order.
In a statement on Saturday, he said he was disturbed by reports and online videos allegedly showing armed political thugs attacking residents, destroying property and causing panic in affected communities.
“I have watched with deep pain and concern the disturbing events unfolding across parts of Osun State ahead of the forthcoming elections. The horrifying videos circulating on social media, showing vehicles allegedly conveying political thugs, violent attacks, destruction of property and innocent citizens running for safety, have left me heartbroken,” he said.
He stressed that the situation does not reflect the identity or values of the state.
“This is not the Osun we know, and certainly not the image our dear state should be projecting to Nigeria and the international community,” he stated.
Oduyemi strongly condemned all forms of political intimidation and violence, insisting that ambition should never justify bloodshed.
“No political ambition is worth the blood of any son or daughter of Osun State. Democracy should be a contest of ideas and vision, not a battlefield where lives are endangered,” he added.
He urged security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to act quickly and impartially to identify and prosecute those behind the unrest.
“The situation must not be allowed to deteriorate beyond control. Those responsible for sponsoring or carrying out acts of violence must be identified, shamed and brought to justice. Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done,” he said.
The aspirant also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure peace is restored in Osun State.
“As the leader of the nation, I urge Mr President to ensure that every necessary step is taken to restore calm, protect lives and property, and reassure the people of Osun that democracy will not be undermined by violence.
“Failure to act swiftly could expose our people to greater hardship and unimaginable disaster,” he said.
Reaffirming his stance, Oduyemi said he remains committed to peaceful and issue-based politics and will not support violence under any circumstance. He also criticized the use of young people as political thugs, saying they should be empowered instead.
“Our youths deserve much better than being recruited as political thugs. They possess enormous talents, intelligence and creativity that should be harnessed for the development of our state and our nation,” he stated.
He further warned that any political actor found to be behind the violence should face the law.
“If investigations nail any political leader to these unrest, I will stop at nothing until such is seen behind bars,” he declared.
He advised young people to stay away from violence, noting that political conflicts often leave long-term consequences.
“Elections will come and go, but the consequences of violence may remain for generations,” he said.
Oduyemi also called on community and religious leaders, parents and traditional rulers to discourage youths from being used for violence.
He pledged that if elected, he would focus on youth empowerment through education, skills development and job creation to reduce vulnerability to political manipulation.
He concluded by urging calm and unity among residents while calling for the protection of democratic values in the state.
“May wisdom prevail over anger, dialogue over violence, and peace over conflict. Together, let us preserve the sanctity of our democracy and build an Osun State where every citizen can live without fear,” he said.