“Elections are civil engagements, not military operations. Ballot papers are not bullets. Voters are not enemy combatants. Opposition members are not insurgents,” he said.
Atiku questioned the rationale for deploying a large security presence for an election while communities across the country continue to face threats from terrorists, bandits and kidnappers.
He called on INEC to ensure the timely distribution of electoral materials, uninterrupted voting, accurate collation and transparent transmission of results. He also cautioned the commission against technical failures, unexplained delays and administrative practices that could disenfranchise voters.
Reminding state institutions of their obligation to serve all Nigerians, Atiku said: “The police belong to Nigeria. The military belongs to Nigeria. INEC belongs to the Nigerian people. None of them belongs to the APC.”
He said the conduct of the Osun election would serve as an important indicator of the country’s preparedness to conduct credible general elections, urging all relevant agencies to respect the will of voters.
“The world is watching Osun. Nigerians are watching. History is taking notes. Let the people vote. Let every vote count. And let the will of the people prevail,” he said.
Tinubu certificate controversy
Atiku also revisited the controversy surrounding the Chicago State University certificate submitted to INEC by President Bola Tinubu.
He referred to reported discrepancies in dates, signatures and descriptions of the degree in documents bearing 22 June 1979 and 27 June 1979. He cited Section 137(1)(j) of the Constitution and called for full verification of the document.
“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?” Atiku asked.
He argued that public office holders should be held to the highest standards of transparency and should not be exempt from scrutiny.
“If a young Nigerian would be required to explain such discrepancies before getting an ordinary job, why should the man seeking Nigeria’s highest job be exempt from the same standard?” he said.
Atiku promises greater youth representation
The former vice president also pledged to increase youth participation in politics, saying at least 30 per cent of legislative candidates under his political platform would be below the age of 40, with a substantial proportion under 30.
He urged young Nigerians to move beyond social media activism and become actively involved in building political structures capable of shaping the country’s future.
“Anger is not an organisation. A hashtag is not an organisation,” Atiku said.
He encouraged young people to turn online engagement into organised political participation and help build the political frameworks needed to influence governance and Nigeria’s future.
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