The Lagos State Chairman of Afenifere, Chief Deji Wellington, has called on Osun politicians to stay away from violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election.Speaking with NAN on Sunday, Wellington said no election is worth shedding blood, stressing that while elections are temporary, lost lives cannot be brought back.“No politician needs bloodshed to win an election. Elections will come and go, but lives lost cannot be restored,” he stated.He urged politicians across all parties to run peaceful campaigns and avoid acts that could threaten public peace.“I urge politicians to reject violence completely,” he added.
Wellington also tasked the police and other security agencies to remain neutral and carry out their constitutional duties without bias.“I appeal to the police to remain neutral and protect lives and property. Once security agencies are seen as taking sides, the situation only gets worse,” he said.According to him, democracy offers a clear path for citizens to choose or replace leaders — through voting.
“My appeal is simple: campaign peacefully. If you want change, go out with your PVC and vote. Governments should be changed through the ballot, not through violence or weapons,” the Afenifere leader said.He praised *President Bola Tinubu’s* commitment to democracy and expressed confidence that the President would ensure a peaceful election in Osun.“He is the father of the nation. I believe he has directed security agencies to act professionally. I believe the President wants peace.
I expect the police and other agencies to do their job fairly and ensure the election is hitch-free,” Wellington concluded.
