Blessing Bello, Reporting
RENOWNED Afrobeat star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has appealed to political parties and candidates participating in the August 15 Osun State governorship election to respect the will of the electorate.
He insisted that the outcome of the poll should reflect the people’s choice.
Davido, who is the Chairman of the Imole Youth Mobilisation Campaign Team, while addressing newsmen in Osogbo on Wednesday, urged contestants to place the interest of the state above personal ambition, warning that no political office is worth the loss of lives.
He said politicians should allow residents to vote freely and peacefully, stressing that whoever emerges victorious should do so through the ballot.
According to him, I understand the tension and emotions surrounding this election, but I urge everyone to remain calm. No political ambition, disagreement, or election is worth the life of an Osun son or daughter. Let us reject violence, intimidation, provocation, and destruction.
“Dear contestants, in the Osun State, this is your opportunity to contest for the governorship, but political opportunities come and go. Whatever the outcome is, please do not allow political ambition to put the lives and future of Osun people at risk. I appeal to you, your supporters and the entire political parties structure, let the people come out freely and peacefully to vote for the candidate of their choice.
“If they choose you, let the victory be through their votes. If they choose someone else, let their decision be respected. Politics is temporary, but Osun will remain. No political victory is worth violence, destruction or the loss of a single life.
To everyone in Osun, please come out, vote peacefully, reject intimidation and let your voice be heard.”
He added that, “To our daddy from Imo State, I say this with respect. I have heard rumors suggesting that there are moves to interfere in the Osun election or use the state as a political battleground to prove a point. I do not present these claims as facts, but I appeal to you to use your influence to promote peace and allow the people of Osun choose their candidate freely.
“We have mutual connections, and I have a deep personal connection to Imo State, my wife, Chioma is from the state which makes this appeal even more sincere. Please, let Osun remain peaceful, allow democracy take its course and let the people decide.”
He however, urged residents to vote peacefully and ensure that the election is conducted in an atmosphere of peace, saying, “Osun is ours, the future is ours and let peace lead the way.”
