by Jerrywright Ukwu

Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has warned against militarising the Osun governorship election or deploying state institutions for partisan advantage.

Speaking at the ADC National Youth Leadership Summit in Abuja, Atiku described the August 15 poll as a test of Nigeria’s ability to conduct credible elections ahead of the 2027 general election.

He said the scale and posture of security deployment around the election appeared more suited to a military operation than a democratic exercise.

“Elections are civil engagements, not military operations. Ballot papers are not bullets. Voters are not enemy combatants. Opposition members are not insurgents,” Atiku said.

‘POLICE, MILITARY BELONG TO NIGERIA’

The former vice-president questioned why such security capacity was not being deployed against terrorists, kidnappers and bandits attacking communities and killing Nigerians.

He warned security agencies against intimidating opposition supporters or using state institutions to influence the outcome of the election.

“The police belong to Nigeria. The military belongs to Nigeria. INEC belongs to the Nigerian people. None of them belongs to the APC,” he said.

Atiku also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that election materials arrive on time and that voters are allowed to cast their ballots without obstruction.

He cautioned the commission against what he described as “mysterious glitches, unexplained delays or manipulation”, demanding transparent accreditation, counting and transmission of results.

“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.

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Atiku also pledged greater youth participation in politics under his political programme.

He said at least 30 percent of legislative candidates would be below 40, with a significant number below 30.

The ADC presidential candidate urged young Nigerians to move beyond expressing frustration on social media and participate actively in politics.

“Anger is not an organisation. A hashtag is not an organisation. Your time is not tomorrow. Your time is now,” he added.

Source: TheCable