Atiku Warns Against Turning Osun Election Into a War

Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure that the forthcoming Osun State governorship election is not turned into a militarised political contest.

Speaking at the ADC National Youth Leadership Summit in Abuja, Atiku described the election as a crucial test of Nigeria’s commitment to credible democratic processes ahead of the next general election.

He expressed concern over the scale of security preparations surrounding the poll, arguing that the level of deployment appeared excessive for what should be a peaceful civic exercise.

According to him, elections should be conducted through democratic institutions rather than treated as military operations.

“Elections are civil engagements, not military operations. Ballot papers are not bullets. Voters are not enemy combatants. Opposition members are not insurgents,” he said.

The former vice president questioned why similar levels of security mobilisation were not being directed towards tackling terrorists, kidnappers and bandits responsible for attacks on communities and the loss of lives across the country.

Atiku also urged INEC to guarantee a transparent electoral process, warning against unexplained technical problems, delays or any actions that could undermine confidence in the outcome.

He called for election materials to arrive on time, voters to be allowed to cast their ballots without intimidation, and results to be accurately counted and transparently transmitted.

“The police belong to Nigeria. The military belongs to Nigeria. INEC belongs to the Nigerian people. None of them belongs to the APC,” Atiku stated.

He said the conduct of the Osun election would attract significant attention from Nigerians and the international community, urging authorities to allow voters to freely determine the outcome.

### Atiku Renews Questions Over Tinubu's CSU Certificate

Atiku also revisited questions surrounding the Chicago State University (CSU) certificate President Bola Tinubu submitted to INEC.

He pointed to reported differences between the certificate submitted to the electoral body and another document associated with CSU records. Among the issues he raised were differences in dates, signatures and descriptions of the degree.

According to Atiku, one document reportedly carries June 22, 1979, while another version bears June 27, 1979.

He further questioned how names or signatures reportedly linked to university officials who held positions years after 1979 could appear on documents bearing that date.

Atiku argued that these discrepancies should be independently clarified by Chicago State University, particularly because the Constitution provides for disqualification where a presidential candidate presents a forged certificate to INEC.

He therefore 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.

Atiku said public officials seeking the highest office in the country should be subject to the same standards of accountability expected of ordinary Nigerians.

### ADC Promises Greater Youth Representation

Turning to youth participation in politics, Atiku pledged that his political programme would provide greater opportunities for younger Nigerians to enter elective office.

He said at least 30 per cent of legislative candidates under the programme would be below the age of 40, while a substantial portion would also be under 30.

Encouraging young Nigerians to become more actively involved in politics, he urged them to move beyond frustration and online activism towards organised political participation.

“Register. Organise. Lead,” he told the gathering.

He cautioned that anger and social-media activity alone would not produce political change, stressing that young Nigerians must build structures capable of influencing elections and governance.

“Anger is not an organisation. A hashtag is not an organisation,” Atiku said.

He concluded by urging young Nigerians to recognise their ability to shape the country’s political future now rather than waiting for another opportunity.

“Your time is not tomorrow. Your time is now.”