Political stakeholders, community leaders and residents of Iwoye-Ijesa, Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State have resolved to intensify sensitisation against political violence ahead of forthcoming elections in the state.

The stakeholders also called for greater vigilance against external elements seeking to destabilise the community and urged political party leaders and candidates to demonstrate responsible leadership during the electoral process.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of an inter-party peace meeting convened to promote harmony, tolerance and peaceful political engagement before, during and after the elections.

The communiqué was signed by the convener of the meeting, Dideolu Falobi.

A copy of the communiqué, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, indicated that participants, including representatives of the All Progressives Congress, Accord, African Democratic Congress and Peoples Democratic Party, pledged to serve as ambassadors of peace and work collectively to ensure elections were conducted in an atmosphere free of violence, intimidation and hatred.

Addressing the gathering, Falobi said the initiative became necessary in view of reported incidents in Ilesa, Ede, Ikire and Iwo, as well as the need to preserve the peace and stability for which Iwoye-Ijesa is known.

He said, “We consider it imperative to begin early sensitisation and mobilisation for peaceful elections so that our community remains united and insulated from violence and divisive politics.”

Reflecting on the community’s history, Falobi described Iwoye-Ijesa as the only town in Ijesaland that neither recorded killings nor witnessed the burning of houses during the turbulent “Operation Wetie” political crisis of the 1960s.

According to him, “The development recorded in the town over the years has been made possible through unity, cooperation and the collective efforts of its sons, daughters and supportive in-laws.”

Falobi urged members and supporters of all political parties to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the election period and avoid violence, intimidation, hate speech and destruction of property.

In separate remarks, Kehinde Falore, Taiwo Falobi, Oladele Opeyemi and Foyeke Fasugba emphasised the need for the active involvement of women in promoting peaceful elections and advocated politics rooted in love, tolerance and mutual respect.

The speakers also called for continuous sensitisation against political violence, greater vigilance against external elements seeking to destabilise the community and responsible leadership by political parties and their candidates.

The Oniwoye of Iwoye-Ijesa, Oba Adewumi Ogidiolu, commended the initiative and expressed support for efforts aimed at preserving peace in the community.

Oba Adewumi also appealed to residents and political actors to embrace fairness, tolerance and mutual understanding throughout the electioneering process.

The Federal High Court in Birnin Kebbi has commenced hearing in a suit challenging the African Democratic Congress, ADC, primary election process for the Jega, Gwandu and Aliero Federal Constituency seat.
The suit was filed by an aspirant, Alhaji Faruku Sarkin Kabin Jega, against the ADC and Alhaji Abubakar Gwandu over the party’s handling of the primary election.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Bashar Umar, told the court that the case seeks an order directing the ADC to conduct a democratic and transparent primary election in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

Faruku alleged that he fulfilled all requirements for the contest and was successfully screened by the party’s screening committee before his name was later removed from the list of cleared aspirants.

He further claimed that despite being screened, Alhaji Abubakar Gwandu was subsequently declared the party’s candidate for the constituency.

The plaintiff is asking the court to nullify the process and order the conduct of a fresh primary election.

After hearing submissions from the parties, Justice E. Gakko adjourned the matter until June 26 for continuation of hearing.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said that he would stop campaigning if anyone can prove be took 1% of Labour Party donation.

Obi made the vow on Tuesday during  an exclusive interview on Nevon Media hosted by Oseni Rufai.

He was reacting to an allegation that he and human rights activist, Aisha Yesufu, siphoned Labour Party’s donations for the 2023 general elections.

“I don’t go by people talking nonsensical and listen to them. He said that we took from Labor Party’s account 10 billion naira or $30 million. Where is the account?

“I’m going to include every accuser very soon in the list of the people I want to come out and prove that I took money from the Labour Party’s account or any financial mismanagement allegation.

“Look, if anyone can prove that I took 1% of Labour Party’s donations, I will stop campaigning,” Obi said.