Activist Comrade Mark Adebayo Cautions Against Violence In Saturday’s Osun Governorship Election, Recalls Country’s Bloody Electoral History

As voters in Osun State prepare to head to the polls this Saturday to elect their next governor, prominent human rights activist and civil society leader, Comrade Mark Adebayo, has issued a stern warning against electoral violence, urging politicians, security agencies, and citizens to maintain peace.

Speaking after a leadership meeting of the Federation of Political Parties, FEPPA, of which he is president briefing in Abuja on Friday, Adebayo cautioned that any attempt to disrupt the democratic process through thuggery or manipulation would have devastating consequences for the state and the nation’s fragile democracy.

“Saturday’s election is a critical litmus test for our democratic maturity,” Adebayo stated.

“Osun State belongs to the people, not to the desperate ambitions of any political class. No blood must be spilled on account of an election. Power belongs to God, and the will of the people must be allowed to prevail through a peaceful, free, fair, and credible process.”

Drawing on Nigeria’s political history, the veteran activist provided a sobering retrospective on the destructive impact of election-related violence in the country.

He reminded stakeholders of the chaotic aftermath of the 1965 Western Region elections—often referred to as the “Operation Wetie” era—which triggered widespread arson, killings, and ultimately led to the collapse of the First Republic and the outbreak of a brutal civil war.

He also referenced the 1983 electoral crisis in the old Ondo and Oyo states, where flawed election results led to massive uprisings, the destruction of lives and properties, and another swift military intervention.

“History has shown us that violence-riddled elections yield nothing but long-term regret, economic ruin, and social fragmentation,” Adebayo warned.

“The scars of 1965 ,1983, and 1993 are still visible in our political landscape. Whenever we allow violence to dictate electoral outcomes, we invite chaos, ruin our local economies, and alienate the very citizens governance is meant to serve. Osun State cannot afford to become a theater of war.”

The activist called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain strictly neutral, ensuring that voting materials arrive on time and that electronic transmission systems operate transparently to eliminate suspicion.

Turning his attention to security forces, Adebayo demanded a professional, non-partisan deployment.

He warned security personnel against being used as instruments of intimidation by any political party, emphasizing that their primary allegiance is to the Nigerian constitution and the protection of voters.

Adebayo concluded with a passionate appeal to the youth of Osun State, urging them to reject roles as political thugs or agents of destruction for politicians whose own children are safely insulated abroad.

“To the youths, I say: do not trade your future for temporary handouts,” Adebayo pleaded.

“The politician who hires you to carry a gun or disrupt a polling unit will not share the dividends of power with you. Vote peacefully, protect your votes within the confines of the law, and go home. Let Osun State stand as a beacon of peace and democratic integrity this weekend.”

As tension bubbles ahead of Saturday’s ballot, civil society groups have echoed Adebayo’s sentiments, calling for maximum restraint from all competing political factions.