‘Igbimo Ure Ekiti’ to APC, PDP, INEC: We want peace in Ekiti

Eminent elders and leaders of Ekiti State, otherwise known as ‘Igbimo Ure Ekiti’, have called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to eschew violence in the July 14 governorship election in the state.
While former Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, is the APC candidate, Governor Ayodele Fayose is backing his deputy, Prof. Olusola Eleka as the PDP candidate.
The elders, who spoke in Lagos on Sunday, said “we are seriously concerned about the peace and safety of sons and daughters of Ekiti State during and after the election.
“We are mindful of the desperation erupting from some of the participants in the ongoing electoral process in the state.
“The opposition believes that they are unstoppable in their quest to capture power and they believe that they will stop at nothing to achieve their aim. While the party in power also believes that they are immovable.
“As a result of that, there is danger unless something decisive is done by well-meaning members of Ekiti State and those that are directly involved in conducting election”.
National President of the group, Prince Julius Adelusi, said: “We are saying no to rigging, no election violence, no thuggery, no killing, no to arson, no to ballot box snatching, no to vandalism and yes to one man one vote, yes to orderliness, yes to spirit of sportsmanship and yes to peace and tranquility. This is our message to both parties.
“We want to take the two political parties back to history that the 2007 and 2010 gubernatorial elections and the re-run were characterised by killing, destruction of valuable assets, fear and trepidation among Ekiti State residents. No one will forget in a hurry, the Ido Osi tragedy, the Oye Skirmishes, and the inconsistencies of Madam Ayoka Adebayo, the then Ekiti State Electoral Commissioner, which led to loss of lives.
“We also recognise with serious anxiety, the tension that has enveloped the state as the date of the election approaches. Shooting, hate speeches and talking tough appear to be the order of the day across the entire political divide.
“We are appealing to all stakeholders including the government at the centre, the state government as well as security agencies to please allow the electorate elect their own governor under a free and fair atmosphere in the interest of peace and stability of the state.”
The group also warns the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to be transparent in his dealings. 
“He should ensure that every vote counts and whatever technology deployed for the election  is fool-proof  beyond questions as this election would be a litmus test for INEC.
“Police and other security agencies should be vigilant and be fair throughout the election period. The residents are afraid that soldiers might be use during the election. We call on President Muhammed Buhari to ensure that men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces are not involved in an electoral process that is a civil matter.”