Still On Osun State Governorship Election -By Tochukwu Jimo Obi

The political tension that has enveloped Osun State ahead of this Saturday’s governorship election has reached a disturbing level and must be urgently addressed before it claims more lives. Elections are meant to provide citizens with the opportunity to freely choose their leaders, not become a battleground where political differences are settled through violence. The relevant authorities must therefore act decisively to de escalate the situation and restore confidence among the people of the state.

Reports that about 29 people have been killed as a result of political violence across Osun State are deeply troubling. Each of these deaths represents a Nigerian life that has been cut short because of political differences. This is in addition to reports of unexplained abductions and arrests involving politicians and supporters of different candidates. Such developments are capable of creating fear among voters and undermining the credibility of the electoral process.

Even more disturbing are allegations concerning the conduct of some security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police, in the build up to the election. Reports that politicians and supporters perceived to be loyal to certain candidates are being arrested on what appear to be flimsy grounds raise serious questions about the neutrality of the security architecture. The police must understand that their constitutional responsibility is to protect all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations, and not to become instruments in the hands of political actors.

The Nigeria Police Force must therefore remain completely neutral before, during and after the election. The Inspector General of Police should, as a matter of urgency, direct a comprehensive investigation into the reported deaths and other acts of political violence in Osun State. Anyone found to have sponsored, organised or participated in these criminal acts should face prosecution, irrespective of his political status or connections. There must be no sacred cows.

Nigeria cannot continue to shed blood over elections. Political office is temporary, but the lives being lost are permanent. No candidate, political party or political ambition is worth the life of a Nigerian. Politicians must therefore caution their supporters against violence, while security agencies must send a clear message that anyone who threatens the peace of the state will be held accountable.

As the good people of Osun State file out to elect their next governor, they must also play their part in ensuring a peaceful election. Voters should resist every attempt to induce them with money or other material benefits. Their votes are their most powerful instrument for determining who governs them, and that instrument should be used wisely. They should vote according to their conscience and choose the candidate they genuinely believe can provide responsible leadership.

Security agencies must, on their part, deal firmly with anyone who attempts to intimidate or disenfranchise voters. They must be above board and professional in the discharge of their duties. Anyone who causes trouble before, during or after the election should be arrested and dealt with according to the law, regardless of the person’s political affiliation. At the same time, security personnel must avoid arbitrary arrests, harassment and intimidation of innocent citizens.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, also has a critical responsibility to ensure that the election is free, fair, credible and transparent. Electoral materials must be complete and delivered to polling units on time. Election officials must be properly prepared, while every effort must be made to prevent vote buying, manipulation of results, intimidation of voters and other forms of electoral malpractice. INEC must demonstrate that every valid vote will count.

This election is yet another important litmus test for Professor Joash Amupitan and the INEC he leads, particularly as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections. Nigerians and the international community will be watching closely. The success or failure of the Osun election will have consequences far beyond the state. What Nigeria needs now is an election in which every voter can cast a ballot without fear, every candidate can accept the outcome of a credible process, and every institution involved can demonstrate that the nation’s democracy is greater than the ambitions of individual politicians.

Tochukwu Jimo Obi, Obosi Anambra State.