The Imole Campaign Council has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, for failing to attend Thursday’s National Peace Committee meeting, describing his absence as a sign of “disdain” for the people of the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
- +Imole campaign slams APC candidate for missing Osun peace accord meeting
In a statement issued on Friday by its spokesman, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council said the peace accord was a critical exercise aimed at promoting peaceful and credible elections amid rising political tensions in the state, arguing that all candidates were expected to attend in person.
In a statement issued on Friday by its spokesman, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council said the peace accord was a critical exercise aimed at promoting peaceful and credible elections amid rising political tensions in the state, arguing that all candidates were expected to attend in person.
According to the council, the meeting had been scheduled months in advance by the National Peace Committee chaired by former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), making Oyebamiji’s absence “inexcusable.”
The council alleged that instead of attending the peace meeting, the APC candidate chose to participate in a campaign rally in Iwo.
It acknowledged that a member of the APC campaign council, Kola Olabisi, attended on Oyebamiji’s behalf, while his running mate, Kayode Adereti, reportedly arrived after the signing of the peace accord had been concluded. However, the Imole Campaign Council argued that representation was inadequate for an event of such significance.
The statement further claimed that Oyebamiji’s absence amounted to a lack of respect for members of the National Peace Committee and other dignitaries who attended the event, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and representatives of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The absence of the APC candidate reinforces our concerns that the opposition is not genuinely committed to peaceful, fair and credible elections,” the statement said.
The council urged political parties and candidates to embrace dialogue and civility throughout the election period, stressing that Osun people value peaceful democratic engagement.
It also expressed confidence that voters would reject what it described as politics of intimidation and violence in the August 15 governorship election and return Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term.
The APC had not responded to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
