As momentum builds toward the 2027 general elections, the President of the Oodua People’s Congress Reformed (OPC-R), Amb Dare Adesope, has called on indigenes and residents of Iseyin, Oyo State, to embrace peace, tolerance, and mutual respect.
Adesope made the appeal at the weekend while addressing members of the organisation on ongoing activities surrounding this year’s Oro Festival in Iseyin and the crucial upcoming national polls.
Speaking on the 2027 general elections, Adesope expressed deep concern over persistent voter apathy in Nigeria.
He noted that situations where millions of registered voters exist but only a fraction eventually cast their ballots deserve serious attention.
He urged all eligible citizens to participate peacefully and responsibly by exercising their civic rights.
‘Iseyin belongs to all of us. Let us protect our culture, respect our religious differences, maintain peace, and work together for the progress of our community and our country,’ Adesope said.
The OPC-R leader, in a statement, urged registered voters to come out in their numbers to make informed choices in accordance with their conscience and constitutional rights.
He also appealed to political actors and voters to reject ballot-box snatching, intimidation, violence, disruption of polling activities, and all other forms of electoral misconduct.
To reassure the public, Adesope stated that relevant security stakeholders are fully committed to maintaining peace and protecting voters, electoral officials, and other participants throughout the electoral process.
He emphasised that the OPC-R, working strictly within the law and in coordination with appropriate authorities, is prepared to support a peaceful and orderly election in areas where it has a lawful presence.
Turning to the community’s cultural calendar, 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.
He 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.