By, Omowumi Hannah, Ibadan

The Oyo State Auditor of Yari Initiative for Asiwaju, Hon. Temitope Olawoyin, has called on political actors, particularly candidates, to see election as sportsmanship and not as a violence-ridden exercise.

She made the call in reaction to the alleged attack on supporters of the Accord Party governorship candidate in Oyo State by suspected thugs, which reportedly led to the death of one person, damage to vehicles and injuries to several others.

In a statement issued on Thursday by her Special Assistant on Media, Public Communications and Publicity, Olawale Kunle, Olawoyin described the clash as needless.

She said such incidents continue to undermine the nation’s thriving democracy under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Olawoyin, who sympathised with the victims and their families, urged political actors to jettison the old style of violent politicking and embrace peaceful competition.

The 2027 aspirant for Egbeda State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly also commended the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, for his swift response and investigation into the incident.

She urged political supporters to desist from singing violence-provoking songs during processions or gatherings in order to ensure peaceful political association.

According to her, politicians should focus on winning the hearts of the electorate early through genuine engagement, rather than resorting to inducement when elections draw closer.

The gender advocate further called for continued peaceful co-existence among Nigerians, noting that electioneering should not be a divisive exercise but a periodic democratic process.

“Love, unity and focus should be imbibed in Nigeria. Elections will come and go, but relationships will remain. Nigerian politicians should practise politics like sports, which will further unify and promote love,” she said.