A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has dismissed allegations linking the party and its governorship candidate, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, to the recent wave of political violence in the state.
Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyintiloye described the claims as the handiwork of desperate politicians determined to tarnish the image of the APC ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
According to him, neither the party nor its candidate has any connection with individuals or groups allegedly using the APC’s name to perpetrate violence or create unrest.
“The APC is a party of peace and has nothing to do with the allegations of violence against it. We condemn every form of violence, lawlessness and bloodshed, irrespective of those involved,” he said.
The former lawmaker stressed that the APC is built on the Omoluabi values of integrity, discipline, honesty, respect, justice and selfless service, insisting that the party does not believe in using violence to achieve political victory.
“No political ambition is worth the loss of a human life. We urge those responsible for these violent acts to desist,” Oyintiloye added.
He further stated that the APC had completely distanced itself from anyone using the party’s name to intimidate residents, sponsor violence or disrupt public peace, warning that such individuals were acting in their personal interests and not on behalf of the party.
Oyintiloye also called on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the recent incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
While sympathising with families who lost loved ones in the violence, he urged political stakeholders and residents to remain peaceful and place the unity, stability and development of Osun State above partisan interests.
The comments come amid growing political tension in the state following a series of violent incidents ahead of the upcoming governorship election.
Source: NAN
