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.
In a statement on Monday, Oyefusi 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 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He called on the APC leadership in Ikorodu to investigate the incident.
Oyefusi said similar incidents had previously been reported in Odogunyan and other locations.
He said political competition should focus on ideas, policies, leadership records and service to the people rather than the destruction of 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.
He urged 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.
Oyefusi said his appeal was not intended to provoke confrontation but to promote restraint, accountability, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among political parties.
He said political differences should not breed hostility, noting that residents of Ikorodu shared the same communities and would 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.
