The Imole Campaign Council, TICC, has accused the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, of allegedly resorting to violence and the killing of innocent citizens following its failure to unseat Governor Ademola Adeleke through constitutional means.

Spokesperson of the council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Esq., said the future of Osun State would be determined by the ballot and not bullets, warning that no political party could intimidate the people into surrendering their democratic rights.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Olajengbesi described the recent escalation of political violence in the state as a grave threat to peace, democracy and the safety of citizens.

He said: “The Osun APC must come to terms with a simple political reality. Elections are won through the confidence of the people and not through violence. The people of Osun State have become politically conscious, and no amount of political desperation can substitute for public trust.”

The TICC spokesperson maintained that political parties must compete on the basis of ideas, policies, programmes and performance rather than actions capable of endangering public peace.

According to him, if the APC believes it has earned the confidence of the electorate, it should present its programmes, defend its past record and submit itself to the judgment of the people.

“Democracy demands persuasion, not coercion. Political parties should compete with ideas, policies and performance, not with conduct that threatens public peace and safety,” he added.

Olajengbesi also called on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to ensure equal protection for all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation.

He warned against selective enforcement of the law, stressing that impunity could further fuel tension ahead of the governorship election.

“The people of Osun have demonstrated time and again that they cannot be intimidated. When the governorship election is held, it is the ballot that will determine the future of our state, not bullets, not fear and not violence,” he said.