Petty traders in Osun State on Wednesday called for a peaceful and credible governorship election, urging security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure the August 15 poll is conducted without violence or manipulation.
The demand was made at a rally held during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by INEC in Osogbo, where the traders gathered to present their expectations ahead of the election.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, Mrs Moriyeba Ogun said the business community wants an environment where voters can cast their ballots and return home safely, urging the security agencies to be neutral.
“We are appealing to security agencies; we want a secure environment on election day. We don’t want any violence,” she said.
Ogun added, “People should vote and return to their homes peacefully. Osun is known for peace, and that is what we want in this election. No political office is worth the blood of anybody.”
The traders also charged INEC to uphold the principles of transparency and fairness in the conduct of the poll.
“We are also appealing to the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that the election is free, fair and credible. We don’t want a questionable election,” she added.
