Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the Federal Government against using state resources to unfairly favour the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
Speaking at the ADC National Youth Leadership Summit, Atiku described the election as a crucial test of Nigeria’s democratic integrity. He warned that excessive deployment of security personnel could make a civil electoral exercise appear like a military operation.
“Elections are civil engagements, not military operations. Ballot papers are not bullets. Voters are not enemy combatants. Opposition members are not insurgents,” he said.
Atiku questioned the deployment of massive security resources for elections while several communities across the country continue to face threats from terrorists, bandits and kidnappers.
He also urged INEC to ensure the timely distribution of electoral materials, uninterrupted voting, accurate collation and transparent transmission of results.
According to him, technical problems, unexplained delays and administrative failures must not be allowed to disenfranchise voters.
“The police belong to Nigeria. The military belongs to Nigeria. INEC belongs to the Nigerian people. None of them belongs to the APC,” Atiku stated.
He said the conduct of the Osun election would provide an important indication of Nigeria’s preparedness to conduct credible general elections, urging all institutions involved to respect the will of the electorate.
“The world is watching Osun. Nigerians are watching. History is taking notes. Let the people vote. Let every vote count. And let the will of the people prevail,” he said.
Atiku also revisited the controversy surrounding the Chicago State University certificate submitted to INEC by President Bola Tinubu.
He pointed to reported differences in dates, signatures and degree descriptions on documents bearing June 22, 1979, and June 27, 1979. He cited Section 137(1)(j) of the Nigerian Constitution and called for proper verification of the document submitted to the electoral body.
“Who produced the certificate Tinubu submitted to INEC? When was it produced? Who authorised it? Why does it differ from the other version, and does Chicago State University authenticate the exact document submitted to INEC?” he asked.
The former vice president argued that public officials should be held to the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
“If a young Nigerian would be required to explain such discrepancies before getting an ordinary job, why should the man seeking Nigeria’s highest job be exempt from the same standard?” he said.
On youth participation in politics, Atiku pledged that under his political platform, at least 30 per cent of legislative candidates would be below 40 years of age, with a substantial proportion below 30.
He also urged Nigerian youths to move beyond social media activism and become actively involved in organised political structures.
“Anger is not an organisation. A hashtag is not an organisation,” Atiku said, encouraging young Nigerians to turn their concerns into organised political action capable of influencing the country’s future.
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