A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has distanced the party and its governorship candidate, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, from the recent wave of political violence in the state, describing allegations linking them to the attacks as the handiwork of desperate politicians.
Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker, insisted that neither the APC nor its governorship candidate had any connection with individuals or groups allegedly using the party’s name to perpetrate violence and create unrest.
He said the APC was founded on the Omoluabi ethos, which promotes integrity, discipline, humility, honesty, respect, compassion, justice, accountability and selfless service, stressing that violence has no place in the party.
Condemning the killing of innocent residents for political reasons, Oyintiloye described those behind such acts as people with a “dead conscience,” adding that no political ambition or partisan interest was worth the loss of human life.
“The APC is a party of peace and has nothing to do with the allegations of violence against it,” he said. “We condemn every form of violence, lawlessness and bloodshed, irrespective of the status of those involved. No political ambition or partisan interest is worth the loss of a human life. We urge those perpetrating these acts to desist.”
Oyintiloye said the APC remained committed to peaceful coexistence, inclusiveness, tolerance, mutual respect, constructive engagement and people-centred leadership focused on the welfare, security and prosperity of citizens.
He dissociated the party from any individual or group using its name to perpetrate violence, intimidate citizens or disrupt public peace, warning that anyone engaging in such acts was acting in a personal capacity and should not be identified with the APC.
He called on party members, political actors, security agencies and the public to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant while allowing relevant authorities to investigate reported incidents and bring those responsible to justice.
Oyintiloye also sympathised with the families of victims of extrajudicial killings and other acts of violence, praying that God would grant them the strength and fortitude to bear their loss.
