Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has questioned the heavy security deployment ahead of the Osun State governorship election, warning against the militarisation of the electoral process.
Speaking at the ADC National Youth Leadership Summit in Abuja, Atiku described the August 15 poll as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to credible elections ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to Channels Television, Atiku said the scale and posture of security personnel deployed for the election appeared more appropriate for 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,” he said.
Atiku also questioned why similar security capacity was not being deployed to tackle terrorists, kidnappers and bandits responsible for attacks and killings across the country.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that there were no unexplained delays, technical problems or other forms of manipulation during the election.
The former vice president demanded the timely distribution of electoral materials, unhindered voting, credible counting and transparent 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,” Atiku said.
He added: “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 questions about the Chicago State University certificate submitted to INEC by President Bola Tinubu, citing reported differences between documents associated with the university’s records.
He questioned the dates, signatures and descriptions appearing on the documents and asked whether a replacement certificate had been produced and, if so, who authorised it.
Atiku referenced Section 137(1)(j) of the Nigerian Constitution, which deals with disqualification where a presidential candidate has presented a forged certificate to INEC.
He 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.
On youth participation, Atiku pledged that at least 30 per cent of legislative candidates under his political programme would be below 40, with a significant number below 30.
He urged young Nigerians to register, organise and participate actively in politics ahead of future elections.
