LAGOS – Dr Samuel Ajose, an All Progressives Congress (APC) political chieftain, has advised politicians and their supporters not to allow themselves to be used as sacrificial lambs during the 2027 electioneering activities.
Ajose, popularly known as SMA Gold, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen on Thursday, in Lagos.
He urged politicians and their supporters to embrace peaceful and responsible participation in the electoral process.
He said politics should not be regarded as a do-or-die affair, adding that every politician should be prepared to accept the outcome of elections and patiently wait for another opportunity.
“Politics should not be a do-or-die affair. Everyone should wait for his or her time.
“If you don’t win this time around, you will win some other time because there is time for everything in life,” he said.
Ajose urged politicians to accept defeat when they lose elections,saying the victory of one candidate should not be interpreted as the end of another person’s political career.
“Accept when you are defeated at the polls. Whoever wins, it is his or her time, and your own time will come too.
“There is no need to play politics of bitterness or make it a do-or-die affair,” he said.
The APC chieftain appealed to politicians, youths and supporters of political parties to conduct themselves politely, responsibly and peacefully throughout the electioneering period.
He cautioned political actors against allowing themselves to be recruited as political thugs or agents of destruction.
“Political differences should never be allowed to result in the loss of human lives.
“Don’t allow anybody to use you as a sacrificial lamb for political purposes.
“Conduct yourself politely and responsibly because when a life is lost, it cannot be regained,” he said.
Ajose urged politicians and their supporters to avoid violent gatherings during campaigns, on election day and immediately after the polls.
He added that political activities should not become a source of danger to citizens.
“Violence can occur during campaigns, during the election and even after the election.
“That is why we must be very careful and avoid gatherings or activities that could lead to violence,” he said.
He appealed particularly to youths to resist offers to participate in intimidation, vandalism or attacks on political opponents.
He added that such actions could have serious and lasting consequences for their lives and families.
“Do not allow anybody to recruit you as a political thug or an agent of destruction.
“Those asking you to fight may not be there when you are arrested, injured or killed,” Ajose said.
He also called on political leaders to demonstrate responsible leadership by discouraging their supporters from engaging in activities capable of threatening peace and security in their communities.
“Political leaders have a duty to protect their supporters and the people at large.
“Nobody should encourage violence in the name of politics because the consequences affect everybody,” he said.
Ajose further urged security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and other stakeholders to intensify enlightenment on peaceful participation in the electoral process.
“We must all work together to ensure that the 2027 elections are peaceful.
“Politics should be about service, ideas and development, not about destroying lives and property,” he said.(NAN)
