Segun Oni, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, claimed on Friday that some desperate politicians are already breaking the peace agreement signed before the National Peace Commission led by Gen Abdudalami Abubakar.
Oni claimed that rather than following democratic principles in the June 18 Ekiti election, those he referred to as “oppressors” had allegedly used unlawful arrests to dehumanise and demobilise his supporters.
Mr Adeniran Tella, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), and other security formations, according to Oni, must be neutral and ensure justice, fairness, and equity for the election to be peaceful and trouble-free.
Oni, speaking to journalists in Ado Ekiti on Friday, warned INEC, the international community, security agencies, observers, and other stakeholders about the importance of strict adherence to democratic ethos in the election’s conduct.
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“For this election to be valid, all forms EC8A, EC8B, EC8C, and EC8D must be stamped and signed by the REC, not by any other agent or staff.” Nobody will be able to smuggle any kind of fake results once the REC stamps and signs them.
“Polling officers must upload results at polling units in the presence of party agents,” says the law. In the event of a network failure, INEC must provide alternative network providers.
“There should be no way for anyone to tamper with the results.” The backbone of democratic practise is the election. If you haven’t interacted with the public in the four years since your election, you will be rejected. Subterfuge should not be allowed to win an election.”
“I will keep to the peace accord,” Oni said, referring to the importance of peace for the election’s success. However, peace can only be guaranteed when justice, equity, truth, and fairness are upheld.
“However, when people are kidnapped, every peace document becomes invalid.” Tell them not to set fire to this state. Those who have been kidnapping my supporters should be brought to justice right now. They’re putting people’s patience and tolerance to the test.
“Three days ago, one of my supporters was arrested and detained by a section of the police for alleged kidnapping.
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“They shouldn’t set fire to this state.” If someone commits an offence while believing they are the authorities and go around arresting people at night, the peace agreement is immediately shattered.
“As a governor, I did not steal, which is why the Ekiti people support me, and I should set a good example for all our politicians to learn how to be content.”
