Society
Adeleke Campaign Council Begins Compilation of Osun Election Violence Victims
during and immediately after the Osun State governorship election
The Imole Campaign Council has commenced the compilation and documentation of victims of violence recorded before, during and immediately after the Osun State governorship election.
The council, in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, said its structures across the 30 local government areas of the state had been directed to identify and document persons affected by election-related violence.
According to the statement, the exercise will cover persons who sustained injuries, families who lost loved ones, people whose properties were damaged or destroyed, as well as other identifiable victims of violence linked to the electoral process.
The council stressed that the exercise would not be restricted to members or supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, or any other political party.
It said every victim would be documented “irrespective of political affiliation, party membership or voting preference,” the statement said and added, “Violence against any citizen diminishes us all, and no family should be forgotten simply because of their political persuasion.”
The campaign council said the decision was part of a comprehensive post-election review following the conclusion of the governorship election, including that the exercise was intended to ensure that the human consequences of the electoral process were properly accounted for.
“While we are grateful to God and to the people of Osun State for the outcome of the election, we recognise that our victory cannot erase the pain of families who suffered losses or injuries in the course of the electoral process,” it asserted.
The council further directed all local government structures to submit “comprehensive and verifiable records” of affected persons for further review and appropriate action.
It said responsible leadership required an assessment of not only the political outcome of an election but also its impact on citizens.
“The election is over. Our common humanity must now take precedence over political differences,” the council said.
It concluded with the message: “Osun comes first.”
