Electorate in Osun have called for a peaceful exercise amid concerns over recent political unrest as they prepare for the forthcoming local government elections on Saturday.
Some residents who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Osogbo urged authorities to ensure adequate security measures to prevent violence during the polls.
NAN recalls that a violent clash erupted on Monday between members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a Court of Appeal judgment.
The crisis stemmed from both parties laying claim to local government secretariats. It resulted in six deaths, while several others sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Mrs Aishat Akeem, a resident, called on the Federal Government to deploy military personnel to all local governments and polling centres to ensure voters’ safety on election day.
“I will not vote because, given what happened a few days ago, I am not reassured that the election will be free, fair, or even safe,” she said.
She also urged the government to prevent voter intimidation, restrict civilian movement for better crowd control, and safeguard ballot boxes against possible tampering.
“Authorities should issue clear statements before election day, outlining security measures to reassure voters of their safety,” she added.
Similarly, Mr Tosin Osinubi, an accountant, emphasised the need for increased security presence, despite not possessing a voter card for the upcoming polls.
He recommended that the incoming administration establish peace-building bodies to address public grievances and prevent election-related violence across communities.
“Setting up peace committees, education programmes, and local conflict monitoring systems can help de-escalate tensions and maintain stability,” he said.
A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Mr Henry Ejiro, who is not an indigene of the state, also called for adequate security at polling units.
Meanwhile, a shop owner, Mr David Aboderin, stated his determination to participate in the election despite the recent unrest in various areas.
“I will vote in my area, Asubiaro, regardless of the crisis. It is my right to exercise my franchise,” he said.
NAN reports that security agencies in the state have assured residents of tight security measures to maintain peace throughout the election process.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Osun Command, also pledged to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure a smooth and orderly electoral process.
NAN further reports that the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) had already unveiled voting materials for the election across the state’s 30 local government areas.
The commission urged the electorate to disregard fake news suggesting that the election would not hold, assuring them of a credible and transparent process.
