As the 2027 general elections approach, Amb Dare Adesope, President of the Oodua People’s Congress Reformed (OPC-R), has urged residents of Iseyin, Oyo State, to embrace peace, tolerance, and mutual respect. Adesope made the appeal while addressing members of the organisation on ongoing activities surrounding this year’s Oro Festival in Iseyin and the upcoming national polls. He expressed concern over persistent voter apathy in Nigeria, where millions of registered voters exist but only a fraction cast their ballots.
Adesope urged all eligible citizens to participate peacefully and responsibly by exercising their civic rights. He emphasised that Iseyin belongs to all of its residents and encouraged them to protect their culture, respect religious differences, maintain peace, and work together for the progress of their community and country. The OPC-R leader also urged registered voters to come out in their numbers to make informed choices in accordance with their conscience and constitutional rights.
Adesope appealed to political actors and voters to reject ballot-box snatching, intimidation, violence, disruption of polling activities, and all other forms of electoral misconduct. He reassured the public that relevant security stakeholders are committed to maintaining peace and protecting voters, electoral officials, and other participants throughout the electoral process. The OPC-R, working within the law and in coordination with authorities, is prepared to support a peaceful and orderly election in areas where it has a lawful presence.
The OPC-R president noted that the Oro Festival is deeply rooted in the history and culture of Iseyin and must be approached with mutual respect, understanding, and tolerance. He reminded residents that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees citizens the freedom of religion, stressing that Muslims, Christians, and traditional worshippers should regard themselves as one people united by a common heritage and a shared interest in the development of Iseyin.
Adesope urged the community not to allow religious or cultural differences to create division, but rather to use the period to promote peaceful coexistence ahead of the political season. He encouraged residents to work together to promote peace and understanding, particularly during the Oro Festival and the 2027 general elections. The OPC-R leader’s call for peace and tolerance is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring a peaceful and successful electoral process.
The Oro Festival, a significant cultural event in Iseyin, is an opportunity for residents to come together and celebrate their heritage. Adesope’s appeal for mutual respect and understanding is particularly important in a country with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. By promoting peaceful coexistence, residents can ensure that the festival and the elections are celebrated without incident.
As the 2027 general elections approach, Adesope’s call for peace, tolerance, and mutual respect serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible citizenship and the need for residents to work together to promote a peaceful and successful electoral process. The OPC-R leader’s efforts to promote peace and understanding in Iseyin are seen as a positive step towards ensuring that the community remains a beacon of peace and stability in Nigeria.
Key points
- OPC-R President Amb Dare Adesope urges peace, tolerance, and mutual respect in Iseyin, Oyo State, ahead of the 2027 general elections and the Iseyin Oro festival.
