By Sabiu Abdullahi
Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has cautioned against the use of excessive security force or government institutions to gain political advantage in the Osun State governorship election.
Atiku spoke at the ADC National Youth Leadership Summit in Abuja, where he described the August 15 election as an important test of Nigeria’s commitment to credible elections ahead of the 2027 general election.
He questioned the scale of security deployment around the poll, saying the posture appeared closer 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 also questioned why similar security resources were not directed towards terrorists, kidnappers and bandits who attack communities and kill Nigerians.
He warned security personnel against intimidating opposition supporters or allowing government 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 called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that election materials reach polling locations on time and that eligible voters can cast their ballots without obstruction.
He also urged the commission to prevent what he described as “mysterious glitches, unexplained delays or manipulation” during accreditation, vote counting and the 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.
The ADC presidential candidate also spoke about his plans to increase the participation of young people in politics.
He said his political programme would provide that at least 30 per cent of legislative candidates be below 40 years old, with a substantial number below 30.
Atiku urged Nigerian youths to turn their frustration into active political participation instead of limiting their engagement to social media.
“Anger is not an organisation. A hashtag is not an organisation. Your time is not tomorrow. Your time is now,” he added.
