Osun 2026: Imesi-Ile Progressive Association Urges Voters to Turn Out, Calls for Peaceful Election

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

The Imesi-Ile Progressive Association (IPA) has urged eligible voters in Imesi-Ile who have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to come out en masse and exercise their franchise in the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Mr. Sola Oluwadare, and President, Barrister Samuel Agbeluyi, mni, on Sunday, the association encouraged residents to participate actively in the election while conducting themselves peacefully and responsibly.

The IPA also appealed to political parties and their supporters, security agencies, youths and election officials to work collectively towards ensuring a peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral process across the state.

The association stressed that electoral participation was crucial to strengthening the political relevance and bargaining power of Imesi-Ile within Obokun Local Government Area and Osun State.

According to the association, the turnout and voting pattern of the community could play an important role in determining how effectively its interests and developmental demands would be represented by government.

“All politics is local. The turnout and voting pattern in this election will strengthen our voice and enhance our ability to present our community's demands,” the statement said.

The IPA further maintained that active political participation at all levels was necessary to attract infrastructural development and other government interventions to the community.

It cited the Yoruba proverb, “Aisi nibẹ ni a fi ń bá wọn dá sí,” stressing that the community could not afford to remain passive while opportunities and development projects that could benefit Imesi-Ile were potentially directed elsewhere due to poor electoral participation.

The association, however, advised residents to vote according to their conscience and support whichever governorship candidate they genuinely believe would promote the development and welfare of Imesi-Ile.

It urged voters to place the collective interest and long-term development of the community above personal or partisan considerations.

The IPA also cautioned political actors against actions or utterances capable of triggering violence, urging all stakeholders to ensure that Imesi-Ile and other parts of Osun State were not turned into theatres of political conflict.

The association called on residents to remain security-conscious throughout the election period and avoid unnecessary gatherings or activities that could endanger lives or undermine the peace of the community.

Concluding the statement, the IPA reiterated its commitment to the progress and development of Imesi-Ile, saying: “Udagbasoke Imesi-Ile, ojúṣe gbogbo wa ni. A a jùṣe o.”