By Julius Peter
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has appealed to religious leaders across the state to intensify prayers for a peaceful and credible governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Oyebamiji, while seeking the support and prayers of Christian and Muslim clerics, urged religious leaders to use their influence to promote peace, unity, tolerance and responsible participation as the people of Osun prepare to elect their next governor.
The APC candidate said the forthcoming election should be approached as an opportunity for the people to freely exercise their constitutional right to choose the leadership they desire, stressing that there should be no room for violence, intimidation, bloodshed or any form of electoral malpractice.
He called on clerics to pray for the safety of voters, electoral officials, security personnel, political actors and other stakeholders who would participate in the electoral process.
According to him, the responsibility of ensuring a peaceful election should not be left solely in the hands of security agencies and electoral authorities, noting that religious and community leaders have an important role to play in encouraging their followers and communities to embrace peace before, during and after the poll.
Oyebamiji also appealed to religious leaders to continue preaching against hate speech, provocation and acts capable of heightening tension in the state.
He maintained that political differences should not be allowed to divide the people of Osun, urging all contestants and their supporters to see the election as a democratic contest rather than a battle between enemies.
The APC candidate has consistently made peace a major theme of his campaign, assuring residents that his administration, if elected, would prioritise the welfare, security and development of the people.
He urged voters to come out peacefully on election day, cast their ballots without fear and allow the electoral process to determine the winner.
Oyebamiji further called on community leaders, traditional rulers, youth organisations and other stakeholders to work with religious leaders in maintaining calm across the state.
His appeal comes as political activities intensify in the final days of the campaign, with the APC candidate, incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke and African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Najeem Salaam among the prominent contenders in the race.
The candidates and their respective political parties have continued to canvass for votes across the state, with issues of governance, economic development, infrastructure, employment, security and the welfare of residents featuring prominently in their campaigns.
With the August 15 election fast approaching, stakeholders have increasingly emphasised the need for peaceful political engagement and strict adherence to democratic rules.
Oyebamiji urged the people of Osun to reject violence and allow the election to be conducted in an atmosphere of peace, saying the state belongs to all its citizens irrespective of political, religious or ethnic differences.
He also called on his supporters and members of the APC to remain calm, law-abiding and respectful of the electoral process, stressing that victory should be pursued through persuasion and the strength of the ballot rather than confrontation.
The APC candidate expressed confidence that with the collective prayers, cooperation and support of religious and community leaders, the election could be conducted peacefully and produce a government that genuinely reflects the wishes and aspirations of the people.
As the people of Osun prepare to go to the polls on Saturday, political parties, religious institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders are expected to continue mobilising citizens for peaceful participation and respect for the outcome of the democratic process.
Oyebamiji’s appeal ultimately centres on the belief that whatever political differences may exist among the people, the peace, unity and progress of Osun State should remain the collective priority of all stakeholders.
