Everyone prays for the day when elections in Nigeria not only becomes seamless but safe for the electorate – before and after the election processes. The Ondo election 2020 is barely days away and there have been several reports of violence and killings in the state capital, Akure.

On social media today, October 4, 2020, Ondo residents have shared tweets accompanied by photos and videos the violence that has endured in Akure over the past week. According to many, the violence is being championed by political thugs who are expressing their loyalty to their respective candidate at the expense of the lives of the locals.

On Twitter, Nigerians are calling on responsible bodies to come to their aid in putting an end to the killings and violence. While many have tweeted with the #AkureShooting, #VoteNotFight, #PoliticalTerrorism, #ElectionNoBeWar, and a host of other tweets, the police and other state executives need to create measures to put an end to the violence.

Imagine you want to kill the same electorate you are appealing to vote for you. The same people you have sworn to protect… You are blacklisting your state… #akureshootings #EndSARS

— KOI-KOI short film is out link in the bio (@cre8ted4impact) October 4, 2020

All candidates should please call their supporters to order.. Ondo State used to be a land of Peace, pls, do not allow your quest for power ruin the peace of this State. The election will come and go, but what becomes of the state if this violence thrives?#AkureShootings

— MOFOLASADE?? (@hadassahdebby) October 4, 2020

So because of elections now, I can't freely walk in this peaceful town? People we are supposed to vote for are the ones trying to shut us up.

Democracy is the govt of the people, by the people and for the people. #AkureShootings

— Baba Folarinde (@OfficialMrSeun) October 4, 2020

Can we please replicate the peace that came with Edo's election in Ondo State fgs???#AkureShootings

— Wakajeje ? (@ifeoludavies) October 4, 2020

They aren't PDP thugs biko. There are sources within the city nau. What's all this???? #AkureShootings https://t.co/iBm87IZf9O

— Baba Folarinde (@OfficialMrSeun) October 4, 2020

The state election which is scheduled for 10th October will accommodate 17 candidates for the position of governor of the state. With the current state governor, Akereodolu running under the All Progressive Congress (APC).

In September, Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike alleged that pressure was being geared at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other security agencies to rig the October 10 governorship election in favour of the APC. A disastrous statement that opened a series of political drama between him and Akeredolu of the same party.

READ ALSO – #EdoDecides2020: The drama continues as Edo APC faults outcome, argues ‘fabrication’ of results

Akerodolu kicked against his comments and reassured his constituency that he would do his best to assure the safety of the people of Ondo. Akeredolu also faulted Wike who has been making imperialistic comments on election matters especially as it concerns the APC.

A few weeks ago, it was the Edo election that ended with Obaseki emerging winner. The election was branded as a peaceful election with both key political actors applauded for their peaceful fight for power. Ondo residents have implored that the candidates take a cue from People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) Obaseki and APC’s Ize-Iyamu.

For the longest part, politicians have promised Nigerians peaceful elections, and half the time, that is often not the case. The violence is Akure is not a new thing, but we should be concerned that politicians have, for the longest, toyed with the lives of Nigerians at the expense of winning an election. Sadly, they need not be reminded that there would be no votes at all for them if all lives are lost in their desperation for power.