The Pelumi Olajengbesi Students & Youth Network (POYSN) has raised concerns over alleged political intimidation in Ilase, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, following claims involving a supporter of the Accord Party, Ms Adeola Idowu Adegoke.
In a statement issued by the organisation, POYSN alleged that Adegoke’s shop was looted and that she and her mother were summoned to work for the political campaigns of Senator Fadahunsi and Hon. Wole Oke.
According to the statement, Adegoke agreed to support Senator Fadahunsi but declined to campaign for Hon. Wole Oke, after which she was allegedly forced to leave Ilase.
POYSN said that if the allegations were established to be true, the development would constitute political intimidation rather than legitimate political influence.
The organisation stressed that citizens should be free to support political candidates of their choice without fear of losing their livelihoods, homes or personal dignity.
“No one should be obliged to abandon their means of life, their home, and their individual dignity as well as political ideology because they voted for another candidate,” the statement said.
POYSN argued that political influence should be measured through voluntary support at the ballot box rather than alleged intimidation of political opponents or dissenting voices.
The organisation further cautioned political actors against treating communities such as Ilase, Ijesa North and Obokun as personal political territories.
“Ilase is not their territory and Ijesa North is not their political area, as well as Obokun is not their private political asset,” it stated.
According to POYSN, the real test of political influence is the willingness of people to support a political leader voluntarily.
The organisation also announced its intention to transfer the ITURA Campaign Office to Ilase, describing the proposed move as an effort to demonstrate that communities should remain open to political participation and engagement.
“Not as a desire for confrontation, but rather, because we refuse to allow the areas to be politically designated no-go zones,” POYSN said.
The group said it would engage residents across Ilase, Ijesa North and Obokun and allow them to make their political choices freely.
It challenged Senator Fadahunsi and Hon. Wole Oke to allow voters to determine their political influence through the ballot, rather than through alleged acts of intimidation.
“If you think you own Ilase, you will meet us in Ilase. If you think you own Ijesa North, you will meet us in Ijesa North. If you think you own Obokun, you will meet us in Obokun,” the organisation stated.
POYSN maintained that political power was temporary, while political structures could change with time, but the people would remain the ultimate holders of electoral power.
It therefore urged residents to exercise their franchise freely and determine through their votes who should receive their mandate.
“Ilase is not your domain. Ijesa North does not belong to you. Obokun is not your property,” the organisation declared.
POYSN concluded by calling for respect for political diversity and the right of citizens to participate in democratic activities without intimidation, stressing that the people should ultimately be allowed to speak through their votes.