Osun Poll: Atiku Warns Against Militarisation, Demands Transparent Election

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has questioned the heavy security presence planned for the Osun governorship election, warning authorities against turning a democratic exercise into what he described as a military operation.

Atiku, a former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), raised the concerns while speaking at the party’s National Youth Leadership Summit in Abuja.

He described the Osun election as an important test of Nigeria’s commitment to credible elections ahead of the next general election.

According to Atiku, the scale and posture of security deployment appeared excessive for a civilian electoral process.

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

He also questioned why similar security resources were not being deployed against terrorists, kidnappers and bandits responsible for attacks and killings across the country.

Atiku Warns INEC Against Manipulation

The former vice president urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that voters are allowed to cast their ballots without obstruction.

He warned against what he described as “mysterious glitches, unexplained delays or manipulation” during the election process.

Atiku called for the timely distribution of election materials, unhindered voting, accurate counting and transparent transmission of results.

He also reminded security agencies and electoral officials that their responsibility is to the Nigerian people rather than any political party.

“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 urged authorities to allow voters to freely determine the outcome of the election, saying the process would be closely watched by Nigerians and the international community.

Raises Fresh Questions Over Tinubu’s Certificate

Atiku also revived questions surrounding the academic certificate President Bola Tinubu submitted to INEC, pointing to alleged discrepancies in documents associated with Chicago State University (CSU).

He said the certificate submitted to INEC reportedly carries the date June 22, 1979, while another document connected to CSU records reportedly bears June 27, 1979.

Atiku also pointed to reported differences in signatures and the description of the degree appearing on the documents.

He questioned how names or signatures reportedly linked to university officials whose tenures began years after 1979 could appear on documents carrying that date.

The ADC chieftain asked whether replacement certificates were subsequently issued and, if so, who authorised them.

He further cited Section 137(1)(j) of the Nigerian Constitution, which provides for disqualification where a presidential candidate presents a forged certificate to INEC.

Atiku argued that the specific document submitted to the electoral commission should be authenticated.

He questioned who produced the certificate submitted by Tinubu, when it was produced, who authorised it and whether CSU could authenticate the exact document.

Atiku Calls for Greater Youth Participation

Beyond the Osun election, Atiku used the summit to advocate greater participation by young Nigerians in politics.

He pledged that under his political programme, at least 30 per cent of legislative candidates would be below 40, with a significant number below 30.

Encouraging young Nigerians to become more involved in politics, he urged them to register, organise and seek leadership positions rather than simply express frustration online.

“Anger is not an organisation. A hashtag is not an organisation,” Atiku said.

He added that young Nigerians should not wait for a future opportunity to become politically active.

“Your time is not tomorrow. Your time is now.”