Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has demanded immediate compensation for the victims of electoral violence and killings during the just-concluded governorship election in Osun.
Mr Obi made the demand in a statement on Monday while also congratulating Governor Ademola Adeleke on his electoral victory.
“Once again, I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke and the good people of Osun State on the outcome of the election and, more importantly, on safeguarding the democratic process. The people have spoken through the ballot, reaffirming the fundamental principle that power belongs to the people.
“As we celebrate this success, let’s not forget those who made the supreme sacrifice for our democracy during the Osun election. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives under different circumstances during the electoral period.
“I believe these families deserve our collective compassion, solidarity, and support. I therefore hope that the families of those who lost their loved ones will be identified and reached through visits, condolences, and appropriate compensation, irrespective of the political side to which they belonged,” the politician stated.
Mr Obi, who noted that elections should be about the people, their choices and their aspirations, condemned electoral violence and killings in the state.
He added, “No political victory is worth the blood of a Nigerian.”
The NDC chieftain stressed the need for a democracy where elections are conducted without violence and political differences settled through issue-based campaigns and the rule of law.
“My prayer is that our democracy will continue to mature to a point where elections no longer come at the cost of human lives, and where political differences can always be settled through issue-based campaigns and the rule of law,” Mr Obi added.
Mr Adeleke of the Accord Party defeated Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress in Saturday’s governorship election to a second four-year term in office. It was a fierce contest in the build-up to the poll with allegations and counter-allegations of violent killings by both parties and then-candidates.
Meanwhile, Mr Adeleke vowed to constitute an independent commission of inquiry after Saturday’s governorship election to investigate all reported killings and acts of violence connected with the electioneering.
“The government under my watch wishes to assure the people of Osun State that next Monday, immediately after the election, an independent commission of inquiry will be constituted to investigate all reported killings and acts of violence connected with this election period.
“The commission will establish the circumstances surrounding these incidents and recommend appropriate actions to ensure that everyone responsible is brought to justice, regardless of political affiliation, position or influence,” the governor stated.