Ibadan — The Oyo Central Senatorial leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the destruction of a campaign billboard in the Ojoo area of Ibadan, describing the incident as undemocratic and contrary to the peaceful political culture Oyo State should uphold.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan, the party expressed concern over the destruction of lawful campaign materials and warned against actions capable of heightening political tension ahead of the elections.
“Don’t die before death. Election is not a do-or-die affair. Politics should be about ideas, service and the ability to persuade the electorate, not intimidation, violence or the destruction of campaign materials.”
The statement added:
“This is politics, not war. If a candidate or political party believes it has a better proposition for the people, then the proper response is to present that case to the electorate and allow the people to decide.”
The Oyo Central PDP leadership said the incident was particularly troubling because Oyo State has long prided itself on a political environment in which competing parties are able to campaign and present their candidates without unnecessary interference.
It therefore appealed to respected traditional institutions, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as well as the High Chiefs, Mogajis and Baales, to continue lending their voices to the preservation of peace and political tolerance across the state.
“Oyo State belongs to all of us. Our democracy is strengthened when every political party is free to market its candidates, present its ideas and seek the support of the people without intimidation.”
The statement also called on the relevant security agencies to investigate the destruction of the billboard and establish those responsible.
It urged political actors and their supporters across all parties to exercise restraint and embrace issue-based campaigning.
“The people are watching. The electorate is increasingly discerning and should be allowed to make its choice on the basis of ideas, character, competence and service.”
The Oyo Central PDP leadership reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful campaigning and called on all parties to do the same.
“We will continue to campaign peacefully, present our case to the people and respect their right to decide. That is what democracy requires.”
