The Coalition of Election Observer Groups has criticized the Nigerian Police Force for their conduct before and during the just concluded February 22 local government election in Osun State.
According to the observer groups, the police issued threats and discouraged some voters from exercising their franchise, which is totally unacceptable.
On the other hand, the observer groups praised the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) and the people of Osun State for their peaceful conduct despite reported cases of provocation and intimidation.
Speaking at a press conference held in Osogbo, on Sunday, Chairman of the Coalition of Election Observers , Declan Ihekaire , who addressed journalists on behalf of the groups expressed concern over the conduct of the Nigerian Police, who were accused of issuing threats and dissuading some voters from exercising their franchise. The arbitrary arrest of some officials of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) was also condemned.
The groups emphasized the significance of local government administration in the democratic system, providing essential services and ensuring grassroots development.
They commended the Osun State Government for conducting the election, demonstrating its commitment to deepening democracy.
The Coalition of Election Observer Groups called on other states to conduct their local government elections without delay, ensuring active participation of the people at all levels of governance. They congratulated the winners and urged those not satisfied with the process to seek redress through legitimate means, maintaining peaceful conduct.
The observer groups reaffirmed their commitment to free, fair, and credible elections, vowing to continue monitoring and advocating for democratic values that strengthen the electoral process and ensure good governance.
The statement reads in part,
“The role played before and during the election by the Nigerian Police as observed by us shouldn’t go unannounced. It was clear that the Police that should have been extremely neutral was seen issuing advice of threats thereby dissuaded some voters from coming out to exercise their franchise.
“We condemn such steps taken by the police and it was clear that the Nigerian Police in this stance had ulterior motives to prevent the scheduled election.
“Not enough, the Police went further to lock up the OSSIEC Head Office in order to stop the election but kudos to OSSIEC that had released various voting materials to its staff for the conduct of the election before the invasion of its office by the Nigeria Police.
The observer groups congratulated the winners and urged those who may not be satisfied with the process of the election to seek redress in court.
“We congratulate all those who emerged victorious in this election and also urge those not satisfied with the process to toe the line of peaceful conduct through legitimate means which is the court to seek redress rather than engaging in acta capelle of distorting law and order in the state.
“The mandate given to you by the voters through this election is a call to service, and we urge you to dedicate yourselves to the development and well-being of the people of Osun Ste particularly at the grassroots level. Leadership is a trust, and we implore you to govern with integrity, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to the people’s welfare.”
However, Comrade Emmanuel Olowu advised aggrieved parties to seek redress in court while maintaining peace and order in the state.
