Osun Election Tribunal: Stop misleading the public – APC, PDP warned

Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports

The Osun Masterminds, a civil society organization in Osun state, has cautioned the leadership of the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to quit misinforming the people about the upcoming election petition tribunal.

Speaking on behalf of the organization at its monthly ‘State of the State’ presentation in Osogbo on Tuesday, Dr Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli condemned the party’s stance as not only promoting untruth but also subjudice.

“Supporters of the two major parties to the tribunal’s petition – the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress – have gone around town misleading and misinforming unsuspecting members of the public with information about the Tribunal’s goings-on that is not only false, but also subjudice.” We know that the country’s justice system has changed through time and can thus be trusted to deliver justice in this case. Parties are therefore advised to let the Tribunal do its job without resorting to reckless misrepresentation on social media.

“We must also tell petitioners to rein in their party members and guarantee that there is no breakdown of law and order within society when the brickbats are flying before the tribunal.” “We cannot allow a Court process to destabilize the relative tranquility that Osun has been recognized for in the community of States,” he remarked.

While commending Governor Adegboyega Oyetola for his commitment to governance regardless of the outcome of the July 16 governorship election, it encouraged the State Independent Electoral Commission, OSIEC, to hold a local government poll to strengthen good governance at the grassroots.

“Political parties are urged to view this election as a key democratic process that will enhance our governance, and all political parties having a presence in the State are encouraged to participate.” It should be noted that claims of foul play in the absence of any such conduct amount to blackmail and political manipulation. “As long as OSSIEC reassures the parties involved, the commission should not be accused of wrongdoing when it does not posture in such a way,” he added.