Oyo CP Urges Peaceful Conduct Ahead of Elections

On September 8, 2023, CP Abimbola Olugbenga of the Oyo State Police Command addressed political leaders at a symposium on peaceful electoral conduct held at the police command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan. He cautioned against inflammatory statements that could lead to violence during the election period, emphasizing that such provocations often escalate into physical confrontations.

Olugbenga urged political actors to concentrate on policies and competence rather than personal attacks and to avoid exploiting ethnic and religious sentiments. He reminded party leaders of their duty to guide their supporters against hate speech and violence, asserting that the ballot should determine electoral outcomes.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ekanem Usen, echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for cooperation among the police, INEC, and political actors to ensure peaceful elections. Prof. Adeniran Rahmon Tella, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Oyo State, also called for peaceful campaigning and the rejection of inflammatory rhetoric.