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From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Ahead of next week’s Osun State off-cycle governorship election, stakeholders have stormed the embassy of United States of America (USA) the United Kingdom (UK) and European Union (EU) Commissions in Abuja to submit petition on the tensed build-up to the poll, demanding the international community to intensify diplomatic engagement with the Nigerian authorities over the precarious situation.
Raising the concerns, stakeholders like coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and former leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) noted that the red flags and growing concerns surrounding the election is not pleasant.
They made the appeal in separate petitions submitted to the United States Embassy, the British High Commission, the European Union Delegation, and the United Nations offices in Abuja on Friday.
While addressing media shortly after presenting the petition to officials of the United States Embassy in Abuja, Comrade Olayinka Dada and Igwe Ude-Umanta, who spoke on behalf of the coalition and the former NANS leaders, expressed deep concerns over alleged political violence, intimidation, misuse of public institutions, and other actions.
They claimed that the factors are capable of undermining the credibility of the election and weakening public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process, arguing that the Osun governorship election has assumed national significance because of its proximity to the 2027 general elections.
They equally warned that the conduct of the poll could either strengthen or further erode Nigerians’ confidence in electoral democracy.
“In the spirit of fairness and neutrality, anti-corruption and security agencies should exercise their statutory responsibilities transparently, professionally, and without becoming tools in the hands of political actors.
“Instead of targeting opposition elements, security agencies should investigate all allegations of politically motivated violence and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliation or connections,” they noted.
They hinged credible election on providing all candidates and political parties a level playing field where voters are able to exercise their franchise freely without intimidation, violence, or undue interference.
“A credible election requires that all political actors operate within the framework of the Constitution, respect judicial decisions, refrain from intimidation or violence, and ensure that electoral institutions are allowed to perform their responsibilities independently and impartially,” the coalition stated.
They urged the United States Mission to publicly reaffirm its support for peaceful, transparent, free, and credible elections in Nigeria and to engage the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, political parties, and relevant institutions through appropriate diplomatic channels.
“We specifically call on the United States authorities to encourage the Federal Government to ensure political neutrality and guarantee equal opportunities for all contestants in the Osun governorship election.
“This should include closer diplomatic engagement with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force to reinforce the need for neutrality, professionalism, and strict adherence to electoral laws.
“The United States and other members of the international community must closely monitor developments before, during, and after the Osun governorship election and ensure that appropriate sanctions are imposed on anyone found to have violated Nigeria’s electoral integrity,” they added.
