With barely three days to the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, the National Treasurer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Diran Odeyemi, has warned politicians and their supporters against inflammatory statements capable of triggering violence before, during and after the poll.

Odeyemi, who spoke with journalists in Osogbo on Wednesday, expressed concern over the heightened political tension in the state and the circulation of videos allegedly containing threats against members and supporters of rival political parties.

The PDP chieftain said political ambition should never be pursued at the expense of human lives, urging political actors to exercise restraint and allow the electorate to freely choose their preferred candidates.

“Politics should be about ideas, service to the people and development. It should never be about threats, intimidation or violence. No political ambition is worth the blood of any citizen of Osun State,” he said.

Odeyemi stressed that the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to associate, campaign and vote for candidates of their choice, noting that no individual or political party should intimidate or compel voters to support a particular candidate.

“We are in a democratic dispensation, and people are free to vote for whoever they want to lead them. Nobody has the right to compel, harass or intimidate anyone to vote,” he added.

He urged all political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to place the peace and stability of Osun above partisan interests, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could undermine the credibility of the election and threaten the lives and livelihoods of citizens.

According to him, the August 15 poll should be seen as an opportunity for the people of Osun to freely exercise their democratic rights rather than a battle between political camps.

Odeyemi also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies deployed for the election to remain professional, impartial and firm in dealing with anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process.

He urged security personnel to discharge their responsibilities without political interference and ensure that voters are allowed to cast their ballots without fear.

Describing the PDP as a party committed to peace and democratic values, the national treasurer encouraged party members across the state to participate peacefully in the election and respect the outcome of a credible process.

“Osun is bigger than any individual or political party. Let us vote peacefully on August 15 and allow the will of the people to prevail,” he said.

As the state counts down to the election, Odeyemi’s warning adds to growing calls from political leaders and other stakeholders for restraint, particularly amid concerns over provocative rhetoric and alleged threats circulating on social media.

The major challenge, however, remains whether political actors will translate their public commitments to peaceful elections into restraint on the streets and at polling units when voting begins on Saturday.