•Urge Voters To Reject Vote Buying
The Osun Election Civil Society Observers’ Coordination Group has raised concerns over the involvement of some individuals associated with the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in the movement of election materials ahead of Saturday’s August 15 governorship election in the state.
The group, while addressing the media on Thursday, also urged voters to reject vote buying and selling, warning that financial inducement must not determine the outcome of the poll.
Speaking on behalf of the observers, the National Secretary, Campaign for Democracy, Olufemi Lawson, said the group was closely watching the logistics chain for the election and called on all transport operators engaged by INEC to remain neutral.
The group specifically referenced reports about NURTW members and demanded professionalism throughout the movement of materials to all 30 local government areas.
“We have taken note of concerns raised from certain quarters regarding the identity and involvement of some individuals associated with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the movement of election materials.
“The movement of ballot papers, result sheets and other sensitive materials is a critical part of the electoral process and must not be subjected to manipulation or compromise.
“We therefore call on all transport personnel engaged in the electoral logistics chain to conduct themselves professionally and neutrally. Members of the Union involved in election logistics must not allow themselves to be used to deliberately delay, divert, interfere with or compromise the movement of electoral materials in any part of Osun State,” the observers stated.
Speaking further, Lawson appealed to electorates to come out and vote peacefully and to resist any attempt to trade their votes for money.
According to the group, the election will determine the direction of the state for the next four years, and citizens must guard their franchise jealously.
“We encourage the people of Osun State to come out en masse and exercise their franchise peacefully on Saturday. This election is your opportunity to choose the leadership you desire without fear or inducement.
“We particularly urge voters to reject vote buying and selling. Your vote is your power and your future. No temporary financial inducement should be allowed to determine the future of the state and the next four years of governance.
“Voters should cast their ballots freely for the candidate of their choice and remain vigilant throughout the process. Protect your vote, protect your community, and ensure that the will of the people prevails at the end of the day,” the CSOs stated.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the group warned against logistical and technological failures.
Lawson said INEC appears ready but must ensure materials get to all polling units on time, including hard-to-reach areas, and must fix issues observed during the mock accreditation.
“We acknowledge the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the preparations leading to the election, including voter-related processes, stakeholder engagements, logistics arrangements, deployment preparations and the conduct of the recent mock exercise. From all indications, INEC appears ready for the election.
“We, however, urge the Commission not to allow any avoidable logistical or technological challenge to undermine the credibility of the process. INEC must ensure the prompt and timely delivery of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials to all polling units.
“The Commission must also have perfected clear and practical contingency plans for identified difficult terrains and hard-to-reach locations across the state, so that geographical challenges do not become excuses for late commencement of voting. Of particular concern is the BVAS. The hitches recorded during the recent mock exercise must be treated as a serious warning. BVAS devices cannot afford to fail or malfunction on election day,” he stated.
The CSOs further condemned the rising incidents of political violence and inflammatory statements ahead of the election.
They called on security agencies to investigate all cases and ensure perpetrators are brought to book, regardless of their political affiliation.
“We are deeply concerned about the worsening security situation ahead of the election, including reports of killings, attacks and other acts of political violence recorded in parts of the state. We unequivocally condemn these incidents and urge security agencies to investigate them thoroughly and bring perpetrators and sponsors to justice.
“We are particularly concerned by public statements attributed to a prominent political figure, including the reported ‘kill them’ statement, which has the potential to inflame political tensions and encourage violence. Such utterances are unacceptable, particularly when made by individuals who should ordinarily be examples of responsible leadership and democratic conduct.
“We call on the security agencies to act diligently, professionally and without fear or favour in addressing all cases of political violence, regardless of the political affiliation or status of those involved. The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies must rise above partisan considerations and provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates,” the observers said.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
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