Osun 2026: Atiku Warns INEC, FG, Security Agencies Ahead Governorship Election

— Atiku Abubakar

By Muyiwa Akinola

Former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a warning to INEC, security agencies and the Federal Government ahead of the Osun State governorship election.

Atiku urged all institutions involved in the election to remain neutral and ensure that voters are allowed to freely choose their preferred candidate. He described the poll as a major test of Nigeria’s democratic credentials ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the ADC National Youth Leadership Summit in Abuja, the former vice president expressed concern about the level of security deployment expected around the election.

He argued that an election should not be conducted as though citizens were participants in a military operation, stressing that voters and opposition politicians should not be treated as threats.

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

He questioned why substantial security resources would be deployed for an election while terrorists, kidnappers and bandits continue to attack communities in different parts of Nigeria.

Atiku also challenged INEC to prevent technical problems, unexplained delays or questionable procedures from affecting the voting process. He called for the timely distribution of election materials, unrestricted voting, transparent counting and credible transmission of results.

In a strong statement directed at the institutions responsible for conducting and securing the election, Atiku said: “The police belong to Nigeria. The military belongs to Nigeria. INEC belongs to the Nigerian people. None of them belongs to the APC.”

He therefore called on security agencies and the electoral commission to demonstrate neutrality and avoid any conduct capable of creating the impression that the election was being manipulated in favour of the ruling party.

Atiku said the outcome of the Osun election would attract attention both within and outside Nigeria.

“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 raised questions about the certificate President Bola Tinubu submitted to INEC, alleging discrepancies between documents connected to Chicago State University.

He questioned differences reportedly found in dates, signatures and descriptions on the documents and demanded clarification about the exact certificate submitted to the electoral commission.

Atiku also cited Section 137(1)(j) of the Constitution while arguing that documents presented by candidates for the highest political office should be subject to proper authentication.

He further encouraged young Nigerians to participate actively in politics, arguing that online expressions of frustration alone would not produce political change. He pledged greater opportunities for younger candidates under his political programme, including a target of at least 30 per cent representation among legislative candidates below 40.