…..Warns Against Violence, Hate Speech, and Divisive Politics in Gateway State
The Ogun State Ombudsman and Honourable Federal Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission, Hon. Morakinyo OgoOluwa Akinleye, has called on political actors across the state to embrace issue-based campaigns and peaceful conduct as the electoral season approaches.
In a press statement released from his office, Akinleye reminded aspirants, candidates, party leaders and supporters of their collective responsibility to safeguard the peace, dignity and democratic integrity of Ogun State.
Describing the state as a beacon of intellectualism and progressive politics within the Nigeria, the Ombudsman said Ogun has earned a reputation for political maturity and decorum, urging stakeholders to sustain that legacy in the forthcoming elections.
“Ogun State has consistently demonstrated that politics can and must be conducted with decorum, substance and respect for the rule of law,” he said, stressing that the approaching polls present another defining moment for the Gateway State.
Speaking in his capacity as the State’s Ombudsman, Akinleye emphasized that his office is mandated to promote social justice, peace, stability and administrative fairness. He therefore called on all aspirants and candidates across political parties to pursue their ambitions through campaigns anchored on ideas rather than insults.
He urged politicians to focus their campaigns on concrete policy alternatives and practical economic strategies capable of addressing the state’s development challenges.
According to him, key areas of engagement should include youth empowerment and employment initiatives, security and community safety, as well as improvements in education, healthcare and infrastructure.
He also stressed the need for fiscal responsibility and transparency in governance, noting that voters deserve clear and measurable plans that address their everyday concerns.
“The electorate of Ogun State deserves campaigns built on ideas, not insults; on programmes, not propaganda; on vision, not violence,” he stated, adding that campaigns must be devoid of ethnic or sub-ethnic prejudices and instead promote inclusiveness.
Akinleye warned against reducing elections to battlegrounds of personal attacks, character assassination, misinformation or divisive rhetoric, describing such tendencies as harmful to democratic institutions and public trust.
He encouraged candidates to articulate clear manifestos, participate in constructive debates and present measurable development plans that reflect competence, integrity and vision.
The Ombudsman also directed a strong appeal to party supporters and political mobilisers, urging them to exercise restraint, discipline and civility throughout the campaign period.
“Political passion must never degenerate into hostility,” he said, cautioning against violence, intimidation, thuggery, vote-buying and inflammatory conduct, which he said undermine not only the electoral process but the future of the state.
As elections draw nearer, he called on all stakeholders to respect the rule of law and electoral guidelines, avoid hate speech and inflammatory communication, reject violence in all forms, promote tolerance across party lines and uphold the sanctity of the ballot.
He maintained that the strength of any democracy is measured not merely by the conduct of elections but by the character of those who participate in them.
Akinleye concluded by expressing optimism that Ogun State would once again demonstrate enlightened politics and peaceful democratic transition, urging leaders to be guided by wisdom and supporters by restraint.
“History will judge this generation of political actors not by the noise they make, but by the stability they preserve and the future they secure,” he said.
