Osun Election: Atiku Warns INEC Against ‘Mysterious Glitches’, Partisan Use of Security Agencies
Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and the Tinubu administration against militarising the August 15 Osun State governorship election or using state institutions for partisan purposes.
Speaking at the ADC National Youth Leadership Summit in Abuja on Wednesday, Atiku described the Osun election as a test of Nigeria’s ability to conduct credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He expressed concern over the scale of security deployment ahead of the poll, saying it appeared more like preparation for war 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.
He also questioned why similar levels of security had not been deployed against terrorists, kidnappers and bandits attacking communities across the country.
The former Vice-President cautioned INEC against what he described as “mysterious glitches, unexplained delays or manipulation”, calling for the timely distribution of electoral materials, unhindered voting, transparent counting and credible transmission of results.
“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.
“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.”
Atiku also raised fresh concerns over the Chicago State University certificate submitted to INEC by President Bola Tinubu, alleging discrepancies between different versions of the document.
He noted that one version reportedly bears June 22, 1979, while another linked to CSU records bears June 27, 1979, with alleged differences in signatures and the description of the degree.
He further questioned why the names and signatures of university officials who assumed office years after 1979 reportedly appeared on documents dated 1979, asking whether the documents were replacement certificates and who authorised them.
Citing Section 137(1)(j) of the Constitution on disqualification for presenting a forged certificate to INEC, Atiku called for authentication of the exact document submitted to the electoral commission.
“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.
“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?”
On youth participation in politics, Atiku pledged that at least 30 per cent of legislative candidates under his political programme would be below 40 years, with a significant number below 30.
He urged young Nigerians to “Register. Organise. Lead” and channel their frustrations into political action.
“Anger is not an organisation. A hashtag is not an organisation,” he said.
“Your time is not tomorrow. Your time is now.”