Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the Federal Government to ensure that the August 15 Osun State governorship election is conducted transparently and without interference.
Atiku, who spoke on Wednesday at the 2026 National Youth Leadership Summit of the ADC in Abuja, expressed concern over the scale of security deployment ahead of the election, saying the posture of the exercise appeared more suited to a military operation than a democratic contest.
He warned that security personnel deployed for the election must protect voters, electoral officials and sensitive materials rather than create an atmosphere of fear or intimidation.
According to him, elections are essentially civil engagements and should not be treated as military operations, stressing that voters and opposition supporters should not be viewed as threats to national security.
Atiku also questioned the level of security resources being deployed for the Osun election, arguing that similar efforts should be directed towards confronting terrorism, kidnapping and banditry across the country.
Turning to INEC, the former vice president described the Osun governorship election as an important test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and called on the electoral commission to guarantee a process free from unnecessary delays, technical difficulties and manipulation.
He urged INEC to ensure the timely distribution of electoral materials, allow voters to cast their ballots without hindrance, and ensure that votes are properly counted and results transparently transmitted.
Atiku also warned the Federal Government against using state institutions to advance partisan interests during the election, insisting that institutions such as the police, military and INEC belong to the Nigerian people and must remain politically neutral.
He said the conduct of the Osun election would have implications beyond the state, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
According to him, any failure to deliver a free, fair, peaceful and transparent election in Osun could further weaken public confidence in the country’s electoral institutions ahead of the national elections next year.
The ADC presidential candidate therefore called on all stakeholders to place the interests of democracy above partisan considerations and ensure that eligible voters are able to exercise their franchise freely.
With the election only days away, Atiku urged INEC, security agencies and the Federal Government to allow Osun voters to determine their next governor through a credible and peaceful process.
He said the ultimate responsibility of the authorities should be to protect the voting process and ensure that the final outcome reflects the genuine choice of the electorate.
“Let the people vote. Let every vote count. And let the will of the people prevail,” Atiku said.
You must be logged in to post a comment.