Fear of political violence and insecurity has gripped residents of Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, with some voters warning that rising tension and killings could discourage people from coming out to exercise their franchise.
Residents who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Wednesday expressed concern over the safety of voters, while urging political actors and security agencies to prevent violence before, during and after the poll.
A civil servant, Seun Akinboboye, said the political tension surrounding the election could keep many voters away from polling units.
He urged candidates and their supporters to play by the rules, while calling on security agencies to provide adequate protection for residents on election day.
Similarly, a business owner, Demilola Olasunkanmi, expressed concern over the activities of political thugs, saying the situation required urgent intervention.
She urged security agencies to tighten measures during the election to guarantee the safety of voters.
Another resident, Elizabeth Oluwatoyin, said the fear of violence had already affected her family’s decision to participate in the election.
“I will not, because of the election, let them kill me. They have been killing each other for the past two to three months,” she said.
Oluwatoyin said she had warned her daughter against discussing politics publicly to avoid becoming a target.
She added that she had also advised her husband not to risk his life for any politician, arguing that politicians would eventually reconcile after the election.
“As the whole thing is going, I don’t think anybody from my family will go out and vote in this coming governorship election,” she said.
However, an elderly voter, Ajeniwura Adeoye, said he would not be intimidated from participating, despite the security concerns.
Adeoye, who said he had voted since 1979, urged residents not to allow fear prevent them from choosing their preferred candidate.
“I know the killings and shootings are intended to discourage people from coming out to vote,” he said.
He called on INEC to remain impartial and urged security agencies to protect voters and ensure a peaceful election.
Another resident, Ronke Ajibade, said she hoped the election would be conducted peacefully without further violence.
Meanwhile, Olawale Ibrahim from Owode-Ede warned that the tense political atmosphere could affect voter participation if urgent steps were not taken.
He urged politicians to see the election as a contest where there must be a winner and loser, rather than a do-or-die affair.
NAN reports that Osun has witnessed a series of violent incidents ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, with political parties trading accusations over the developments.
