Osun Election: A Lesson In Democracy, Restraints And Political Responsibility -By Idris Rufai

The recent Osun State election and the events surrounding it should be a matter of serious concern to every Nigerian. I appreciate the efforts of the government and relevant electoral authorities toward conducting the election peacefully. Elections can sometimes create tension, fear and uncertainty, discouraging citizens from coming out to exercise their constitutional right to vote.

One incident that particularly deserves attention was a video involving an APC senator in Osun State, in which he appeared to tell supporters to “kill” members of the Accord Party. He later explained that he meant they should “kill them with votes” and also claimed that the video was AI-generated. This raises an important question: when a politician makes a statement that can reasonably be understood as a call for violence, who should determine its meaning the politician or the law?

I stand with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for INEC to use the Osun election as a demonstration of its preparedness for the 2027 general elections. As the President of Nigeria, he is not President of one political party alone, he is President of the entire nation. Therefore, every political party and every Nigerian deserves equal protection and the freedom to participate in elections without intimidation.

The fact that Accord Party may have fewer members or supporters in Osun State does not mean that their rights should be denied. I therefore call on the appropriate authorities to pay serious attention to any statement or action capable of intimidating political opponents or threatening peaceful participation in the electoral process. Democracy is not only about winning elections, it is also about respecting the rights of those who disagree with us.

The presence of politicians from other states campaigning for their party’s candidate is not, by itself, a problem. However, when political influence, large crowds or intimidating statements are used to frighten opponents, it can weaken public confidence in the democratic process. Political parties should understand that genuine victory comes from the people. A candidate who has built trust, provided meaningful development and connected with citizens should not need intimidation or political squads to secure support.

Osun should therefore serve as a lesson ahead of 2027. Political leaders should focus on what they have done for the people rather than relying solely on party structures and political power. It is not about how far we have gone, but how well we have governed and how much confidence we have built among the people.

I also suggest that the government and relevant electoral authorities consider stronger guidelines on the movement and activities of political actors from outside an election state during the final days before an election. Where necessary, political leaders and supporters who are not residents of the affected state could be encouraged to avoid unnecessary movements and activities in the state during the final week and particularly on election day, except where their official duties require otherwise. Such measures could help reduce tension, overcrowding, confrontation and unnecessary political pressure.

We are all Nigerians, regardless of the political party we support. Citizens should be allowed to make their choices freely without intimidation, manipulation or the influence of political crowds. At the end of the day, the people should determine who represents them.

The Osun election should therefore not only be viewed through the lens of who won or lost. It should be studied as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, improve electoral conduct and promote political responsibility. Government, political parties, security agencies, electoral bodies and citizens all have a role to play.

Nigeria needs elections where people are free to vote without fear and where political differences do not become reasons for violence. If we truly want a better democracy in 2027 and beyond, we must begin by learning from every election today.

God bless Osun State, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.