The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for compensation for the families of those who lost their lives during the build-up to the Osun State governorship election.
While Governor Ademola Adeleke was re-elected following his declaration as the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, ThelensNG reports that more than 20 people were killed before the election.
Obi renewed his congratulatory message to Governor Adeleke and the good people of Osun State on the outcome of the election and, more importantly, on safeguarding the democratic process.
He noted that the people of Osun State had 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,” he said.
Obi asserted that elections should be about the people, their choices, and their aspirations, not the loss of precious lives.
He argued that no political victory is worth the blood of a Nigerian.
Obi prayed that Nigeria’s democracy would 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.
“May God comfort all the families who have lost loved ones and grant the departed eternal rest,” he added.
