Kehinde Oyefusi, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Ikorodu Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, has called for political tolerance among politicians and their supporters.
Mr Oyefusi, in a statement on Monday, alleged that his campaign banners were removed and destroyed in the Isiu area of Ikorodu.
According to him, a witness alleged that the banners were removed by individuals suspected to be APC members.
Mr Oyefusi called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in Ikorodu to investigate the incident.
He said similar incidents had previously been reported in Odogunyan and other locations.
Mr Oyefusi said political competition should focus on ideas, policies, leadership records, and service to the people, rather than destroying opponents’ campaign materials.
“The removal of campaign posters and banners cannot determine the will of the people. Ultimately, the electorate has the right to decide who represents them,” he said.
The candidate called on political leaders to caution their supporters against actions that could undermine peaceful engagement, adding that any established wrongdoing should be addressed in accordance with the law.
Mr Oyefusi said his appeal was not intended to provoke confrontation but to promote restraint, accountability, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among political parties.
He emphasised that political differences should not breed hostility, noting that residents of Ikorodu share the same communities and will continue to live together beyond the elections.
“Let the contest be about ideas, performance and the people’s aspirations, not the destruction of campaign materials.
“Democracy belongs to the people. Let their choices be determined by their convictions, not by intimidation or the suppression of opposing voices,” he said.
(NAN)
