…calls for thorough investigation
The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly has condemned the alleged invasion of an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office located at Oyinlola DC School, Ward 2, Okuku, and the reported theft of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by hoodlums allegedly affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the incident as a grave assault on Nigeria’s democracy and the sanctity of the electoral process.
In a statement issued on Sunday through his Chief Press Secretary, the Speaker expressed profound concern over the development, warning that any attempt to intimidate voters, compromise electoral materials or manipulate the democratic process poses a serious threat to free and fair elections and must not be tolerated.
He called on the relevant security agencies to launch an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
The Speaker further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen measures aimed at guaranteeing a peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible election. He stressed the need for the electoral umpire to work closely with security agencies to safeguard electoral materials, protect voters and electoral officials, and reinforce public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process.
While condemning the unfortunate incident, the Speaker appealed to his constituents and, indeed, all residents of Osun State not to be discouraged or intimidated. He maintained that democracy derives its strength from the active participation of citizens and urged all eligible voters to exercise their constitutional right peacefully on election day.
“I urge every eligible voter not to be intimidated or deterred by the actions of desperate individuals. Your vote is your voice, and every lawful effort will be made to ensure that every legitimate vote is protected and counted. No act of intimidation should deprive the people of their democratic right to freely choose their leaders,” the Speaker said.
He reaffirmed that peaceful, credible and transparent elections remain the bedrock of good governance, democratic stability and sustainable development, urging all political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and shun violence, intimidation and any act capable of undermining public peace or eroding confidence in the electoral process.
The Speaker reiterated his commitment to the protection of democratic values and the rule of law, expressing confidence that the will of the people would ultimately prevail through a credible electoral process.