Atiku Warns Against Militarising Osun Election, Says Poll Is Test for 2027

Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has warned against militarising the August 15 Osun State governorship election, describing the poll as a test of Nigeria’s readiness for credible elections in 2027.

Atiku spoke at the ADC National Youth Leadership Summit in Abuja, where he criticised what he described as the heavy security deployment surrounding the election.

According to him, the scale and posture of security personnel appeared more suited 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.

The former vice-president questioned why the security capacity being deployed for the Osun election was not being used more aggressively against terrorists, kidnappers and bandits attacking communities across the country.

He warned security agencies against intimidating opposition supporters or allowing state institutions to be used 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 also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that election materials were delivered to polling units on time and that eligible voters were allowed to cast their ballots without obstruction.

He urged the commission to prevent what he described as mysterious glitches, unexplained delays or manipulation during the accreditation, voting, counting and 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,” Atiku said.

The ADC candidate further used the summit to outline his plans for greater youth participation in Nigerian politics.

He said at least 30 per cent of legislative candidates under his political programme would be below the age of 40, with a significant number below 30.

Atiku urged young Nigerians to move beyond expressing political frustration on social media and become actively involved in political organisation and leadership.

“Anger is not an organisation. A hashtag is not an organisation. Your time is not tomorrow. Your time is now,” he added.

The Osun election has attracted heightened attention amid concerns over political violence, security deployment and allegations of intimidation involving rival political parties.

Atiku said the conduct of the poll would send an important signal about Nigeria’s democratic direction ahead of the 2027 general election.