A faction of the Odua People’s Congress, New Era has advocated for a violent-free and democracy-inclined election exercise ahead of the 2019 election year.
The Factional President of the Group, Razaq Arogundade, who made this known at the National Coordinating Council Meeting Of the Group, held yesterday in Lagos, said that citizens will not exercise their franchise when the atmosphere is violent-intensified.
He added that the dividend of democracy will be questioned if elections will not reflect the true yearnings of the people.
“As the 2019 election year draws closer, I want to appeal to all critical stakeholders to ensure a violent-free election so that eligible voters can exercise their franchise without fear or favour.
“It is apparent that most of the eligible voters will not want to risk their lives when they see that the atmosphere of the election is not peaceful and hence we should all embrace unity regardless of divergent political parties.
“When we do this, the citizens will be able to enjoy the dividend of democracy and transformational leadership will be enthroned.
Meanwhile, The President called on members of the group to promote peaceful co-existence and culture of the Yorubas for the betterment of the group.
Razaq, who made this call, said harmonious relationship begets progress and unquenching desire for the overall development of the group.
“We cannot continue to allow what shouldn’t be to disrupt this organised group meant for the promotion of Yoruba culture, artefacts and language.
“As a result, we must endeavour to make peace and tranquillity our watchword so that we can enjoy being together like they say two heads are better than one.
“If you critically look at the culture and tradition of the Yoruba people, it is going into extinction and hence let’s promote our culture by teaching our children the Yoruba language.
“OPC was formed to defend our culture. It was the death of Abiola that led to the formation and hence the reason why it was established for the defence of the Yoruba race” The President said.