The Campaign Office of the candidate of African Democratic Congress,ADC, Honourable Sikiru Adetona Ayedun has condemned the alleged vandalisation and covering of his campaign posters in Ife Federal Constituency, Osun state.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, the campaign described the reported incidents allegedly carried out by individuals associated with the All Progressive Congress, APC, Hon. Taofeek Ajilesoro campaign group as unacceptable and deserving of public attention and investigation.
“Political competition should never become an excuse for hostility, intimidation or the destruction of another candidate’s campaign materials,” the statement said.
“The reported incidents involving campaign posters belonging to Hon. Sikiru Adetona Ayedun, allegedly covered or vandalised by individuals associated with the Hon. Ajilesoro campaign group, are matters of serious concern that deserve public attention and appropriate investigation.”
The campaign said no group should consider it acceptable to damage another candidate’s posters or interfere with lawful campaign activities.
“This conduct is unacceptable and must be unequivocally condemned. No campaign group should consider it acceptable to damage another candidate’s posters or deliberately interfere with their lawful campaign activities,” it said.
“Political ambition does not justify disrespect, and competition for public office should never come at the expense of democratic principles and peaceful coexistence.”
According to the statement, if substantiated, the alleged conduct would raise questions about respect for political opponents.
“The alleged conduct attributed to members of the Hon. Ajilesoro campaign group, if substantiated, would raise serious questions about respect for political opponents and the standards of conduct expected from campaign organisations,” the campaign said.
“A campaign should be judged by the quality of its ideas, its engagement with citizens and its commitment to public service, not by actions that undermine another candidate’s lawful participation.”
The campaign noted that the people of Ife Federal Constituency deserve issue-based campaigns focused on employment, education, infrastructure, healthcare and effective representation.
It also cited Yoruba values, saying: “The Yoruba value of Omoluabi places considerable importance on integrity, respect, self-restraint and good character. These values should remain relevant in politics.”
“We therefore condemn any act of deliberate vandalisation, unlawful removal or intentional obstruction of another candidate’s campaign materials, whoever may be responsible,” the statement added.
The Ayedun Campaign called on the Ajilesoro campaign group to publicly clarify the allegations concerning its supporters and ensure respect for other candidates’ materials.
“Hon. Sikiru Adetona Ayedun and his supporters, like every other candidate and campaign organisation, deserve the opportunity to participate in the political process without unlawful interference. Any grievance should be addressed through dialogue and the appropriate authorities, not through retaliation or further escalation,” it said.
“Ultimately, politics is not a licence to intimidate, destroy or demean others. It is a responsibility to demonstrate leadership, discipline and respect for democratic competition,” the campaign added.