Mssn Adeleke O. Oluwatobi appeals to Osun residents to reject vote-buying, intimidation and political violence.
The President and Founder of Christ Disciples Evangelical Fellowship Worldwide (CDEF Fellowship), Mssn Adeleke O. Oluwatobi, has called on citizens and residents of Osun State to protect their votes and participate peacefully in the forthcoming governorship election.
Mssn Adeleke made the call during his online intercessory programme, where he expressed concern over various campaign activities and reports circulating on social media ahead of the election.
He particularly warned voters against exchanging their votes for food items, money or other temporary benefits, stressing that such actions could have long-term both physical and spiritual consequences for the people and development of the state.
According to him, political parties and candidates should be seen as platforms through which individuals seek to serve the people, rather than instruments for forcing citizens to support a particular candidate even if not capable enough.
He also expressed concern over videos circulating on social media in which campaign supporters were allegedly seen distributing food items while putting pressure on recipients to vote for a particular political party or candidate and cursing them and their children if they don't vote for the particular candidate. He condemned reports of anyone cursing, threatening or intimidating people because of their political choices..
“Politics is not a do-or-die affair. Your vote is your voice, your right and your power to choose who governs you,” he stated.
The CDEF Fellowship President urged Osun voters not to allow rice, bread, money or any other token to determine their political choices.
He also condemned alleged cases of political violence and intimidation involving supporters of different political interests.
According to him, no political ambition should be allowed to cost the life or safety of any citizen.
He therefore appealed to all political parties, candidates, supporters and security personnel to embrace peace before, during and after the election.
Mssn Adeleke O. Oluwatobi also called on the Federal Government to allow the people of Osun State to freely determine who they want as their governor.
He urged the Federal Government and other authorities not to interfere in the democratic choice of the people or use state power to intimidate, oppress or influence voters.
“The Federal Government should step back from the Osun State election and allow the people of Osun to decide whom they want as their governor. Do not buy their destiny and do not oppress anyone. Let the people speak through their votes,” he said.
He further called on the electoral authorities and security agencies to remain neutral and ensure that the election is conducted in a peaceful, transparent and credible manner.
He urged the relevant authorities to protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that voters are able to exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation.
Mssn Adeleke also charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure fairness, neutrality and transparency throughout the electoral process.
He appealed to INEC not to take sides with any political party or candidate, stressing that the election belongs to the people and should not be turned into an opportunity for anyone to impose their preferred candidate on the people.
According to him, every voter should be given the freedom to make a choice without intimidation, harassment or fear.
He also called on security agencies to protect all citizens equally, regardless of their political affiliation, and to ensure that political violence, threats and intimidation do not determine the outcome of the election.
“This is democracy. It is not an authoritarian governorship election. Let the people speak with their votes. Let the people decide who they want to govern them,” he said.
He urged INEC and all security agencies involved in the election to do their work fairly and transparently, adding that the credibility of the election will be important to the peace and future of Osun State.
Mssn Adeleke encouraged eligible voters across Osun State to come out peacefully, vote according to their conscience and avoid confrontation with supporters of opposing political parties.
He also urged voters to remain vigilant and ensure that their votes are properly protected and counted in accordance with electoral procedures.
He concluded by reiterating his call for peaceful participation and responsible citizenship.
• Don’t sell your vote.
• Don’t sell your voice.
• Don’t sell your future.
• Don't sell your birthright.
• Speak through your vote, and let democracy prevail.
Mssn Adeleke O. Oluwatobi (Eritobi)
President & Founder, Christ Disciples Evangelical Fellowship Worldwide (CDEF Fellowship)
© CDEF TV
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