The Osun Mastermind, a civil society group, has called for peaceful conduct from political parties, candidates, and supporters ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State. Its executive director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, made the appeal in Oshogbo on Saturday. He cited a viral video showing a political party supporter in possession of a cap taken from a supporter of another party as a growing source of tension. The incident, he warned, could lead to reprisals and escalate into broader lawlessness if not contained.
Oyedokun-Alli urged all political actors to campaign peacefully and focus on development rather than confrontation. He emphasized that political leaders must instruct their followers to avoid oppression, suppression, intimidation, cyberbullying, violence, and defamation. "We call on all political actors to respect the choices of others and go about the business of campaigns peacefully and with development as the ultimate goal of the campaigns," he said.
He stressed that upholding democratic values is essential for the credibility of the election and the stability of the state. Political stakeholders with integrity, he added, should work to ensure the election's success. The group linked peaceful campaigning to the long-term goal of developing Osun.
Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli warns of chaos from a seized cap while trusting political leaders to self-regulate their followers. If minor acts like taking a cap can inflame tensions, the appeal for restraint reveals how fragile the campaign environment has become. Candidates named in the tension are not identified, leaving the public to wonder which camps are already testing limits. Peace appeals alone cannot contain what unchecked supporters may ignite before August 15.
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