Former Vice President warns electoral and security bodies to remain neutral ahead of Osun governorship election
Former Vice President and presidential flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has fired a strong warning shot at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Police, and the military, urging them to remember one critical truth — they do not work for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In what many political watchers are describing as a timely and bold statement, Atiku made it clear that these institutions belong to every Nigerian, not to any single political party. His message? Do your job with integrity, or history will judge you harshly.
“Oga, Remember Who You Work For”
As the Osun State governorship election draws closer, political tension in the state is heating up faster than a Lagos afternoon. Atiku’s warning comes amid growing concerns from opposition camps that security forces and electoral officials could be manipulated to favour the ruling APC.
The former Vice President reminded these agencies that their constitutional mandate is to serve the Nigerian people — all of them — and not to act as enforcers for any political godfather or party structure.
This is not just political talk. Nigerians have seen too many elections where uniformed men and electoral officials became willing tools in the hands of the highest bidder. Atiku’s statement is essentially a public reminder that such behaviour has consequences.
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Why This Matters for Osun State
Osun State has always been a fiercely contested political battleground. From Aregbesola’s era to the Oyetola administration, the state has seen its fair share of electoral drama. With another governorship contest on the horizon, the stakes are high — and every player on the field knows it.
Ordinary Osun residents — market women in Osogbo, farmers in Ede, students in Ile-Ife — deserve an election that reflects their true choice. They deserve INEC officials who count votes as cast, and security personnel who protect voters rather than intimidate them.
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A Message to INEC and Security Agencies
Atiku’s call is simple but profound:
– INEC must conduct a free, fair, and credible election
– The Police and Military must provide neutral security, not partisan muscle
– All officials must remember their oath is to Nigeria, not to any party
These are not extraordinary demands. They are the bare minimum that democracy requires.
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The Bigger Picture
Beyond Osun, this statement speaks to a wider conversation Nigerians have been having for decades. Election rigging, voter intimidation, and the weaponisation of security forces have robbed this country of genuine democratic progress more times than we can count.
With the 2023 general elections also on the horizon, the conduct of the Osun poll will serve as a crucial test — a mirror showing Nigerians what to expect when the bigger contest arrives.
As Nigerians like to say, “How you do small thing na im you go do big thing.” If INEC and security agencies get Osun right, it builds confidence. If they fail, it deepens the distrust that is already eating at the roots of our democracy.
The ball is now in the court of INEC, the Police, and the military. Nigerians — not just in Osun, but across the country — are watching closely.
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