The Imole Campaign Council, ICC, working for the reelection of Governor Ademola Adeleke has criticised the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, for allegedly shunning the Peace Accord meeting held ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In a statement issued on Friday on his Facebook account, the council’s spokesman, Pelumi Olajengbesi described Oyebamiji’s absence from the meeting convened by the National Peace Committee as “a demonstration of disregard for the people of Osun State and the democratic process.”
He said the date of the meeting had been communicated months in advance, making the APC candidate’s decision to attend a campaign rally in Iwo instead of the peace meeting difficult to justify.
“It was expected that every candidate would personally attend such an important event, given the recent incidents of electoral violence in the state,” Olajengbesi said.
He noted that although a member of Oyebamiji’s campaign council, Kola Olabisi, attended on his behalf and his running mate, Kayode Adereti, arrived after the major proceedings, including the signing of the Peace Accord, had been concluded, the APC candidate should have attended in person.
“The question remains whether attendance at such a crucial event is a responsibility that should be delegated. That is a question the people of Osun deserve to answer for themselves,” he added.
Olajengbesi said the APC candidate missed an opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to peaceful elections before members of the National Peace Committee and other dignitaries present at the event, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.
He further argued that the absence reinforced concerns about the APC’s commitment to peaceful democratic engagement.
“At a time when political actors should be reassuring the public of their dedication to violence-free elections, such a decision sends the wrong message,” the lawyer stated.
Olajengbesi maintained that the people of Osun remained committed to the state’s Omoluabi values and would reject intimidation and violence at the polls.
“The people of Osun State are peaceful, accommodating, and deeply rooted in the Omoluabi ethos. They rejected politics of intimidation and impunity in 2022, and we remain confident they will once again affirm their commitment to peace, democracy, and good governance on August 15 by re-electing Governor Ademola Adeleke,” he said.
