Key Takeaways
- Osun State has witnessed a surge in violence ahead of the governorship election, with 18 reported deaths.
- The deployment of 15,000 policemen has sparked debate among stakeholders, with some viewing it as a necessary measure to prevent violence and others seeing it as a form of militarisation.
- The All Progressives Congress (APC) and Accord Party have traded accusations over the violence, with each side claiming to have lost members in the run-up to the election.
The build-up to the Osun State governorship election has been marked by a series of violent incidents, ranging from attacks on party supporters and campaign convoys to shootings and alleged assassination attempts. The situation has raised concerns over the safety of voters, political parties, and election officials, with the deployment of 15,000 policemen generating divergent reactions among stakeholders.
The APC and Accord Party have presented conflicting figures on the number of their members killed during the electioneering period, with the APC claiming to have lost 10 members and the Accord Party alleging that eight of its members have been killed. The parties have continued to trade accusations over responsibility for the violence, with each side accusing the other of being behind attacks on its members.
Security Concerns
The security situation in Osun State has become a major issue in the final days of the campaign, with stakeholders divided over whether the deployment of 15,000 policemen will help prevent violence or amount to militarisation of the electoral process. While some have welcomed the deployment as a necessary measure to ensure a peaceful election, others have expressed concerns that it could lead to voter intimidation and apathy.
A member of the APC campaign council, Mr Kehinde Ayantunji, said that the party was not interested in the number of personnel deployed but in the conduct of a free and fair election. He emphasized the need for the police to ensure that every vote counts and that the Accord Party does not succeed in creating fear and apprehension among voters.
In contrast, the Accord Party's Media Director, Mr Oladele Bamiji, questioned the numerical arrangement of the deployment, considering the number of polling units across the state. He argued that the deployment might not be adequate, given the level of violence witnessed in some towns, and called for more security personnel to ensure the safety of voters and votes.
Civil Society Concerns
A coalition of civil society organisations in the state, The Osun Masterminds, has expressed worry that the heavy deployment of policemen amounts to militarisation of the polls. The group's spokesperson, Mr Ayo Ologunde, argued that the deployment could create fear among citizens, leading to voter apathy, and that it could also create security loopholes in neighbouring states.
However, the Convener of Dialogue 365, Mr Saka Waheed, backed the deployment, saying it was necessary to stop the violence and allow the conduct of a peaceful election. He argued that the incessant killing in the past months showed that sufficient security was needed to prevent further violence on election day.
Why This Matters
The Osun State governorship election has significant implications for the country's democratic process, and the outcome will be closely watched by stakeholders. The ability of security agencies to manage the volatile political environment and prevent violence will be crucial in determining the credibility of the election. As the election approaches, it is essential for all stakeholders to exercise restraint and work towards ensuring a peaceful and credible poll, with the ultimate goal of strengthening Nigeria's democratic institutions and promoting the rule of law.