Khalid Balogun, Esq., has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to exercise the highest level of professionalism, neutrality, transparency and caution in the conduct of elections in Osun State.
According to him, Osun State occupies a particularly important position in Nigeriaโs democratic development and electoral politics, making the integrity of the electoral process in the state a matter of national importance.
โINEC must handle Osun with utmost care. Osun is not just an ordinary state in Nigeria when it comes to electoral politics. What happens in Osun has implications beyond the immediate election and can significantly influence political calculations and democratic confidence across the country,โ Khalid said.
He stressed that the credibility of any election depends largely on the confidence of the people in the electoral umpire. He therefore called on INEC officials at all levels to remain strictly impartial and resist every form of political pressure, inducement, intimidation, or interference.
Khalid further urged INEC to ensure that all eligible voters are given equal opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote without obstruction.
He also called for adequate security arrangements around polling units and collation centres to guarantee a peaceful and credible electoral process.
โThe people of Osun deserve an election in which every vote counts and every legitimate vote is properly accounted for.
The credibility of the process must not be compromised by administrative lapses, selective enforcement of electoral rules or any form of manipulation,โ he added.
He appealed to political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to respect the rules of the electoral process and avoid actions capable of undermining peace and public confidence.
According to Khalid, Nigeriaโs democracy can only become stronger when institutions such as INEC are seen to be independent, fair and committed to the rule of law.
โOsun is critical to Nigeriaโs general elections. The way elections are conducted here will continue to shape Nigeriansโ perception of our electoral system. INEC therefore has a responsibility to protect the integrity of the process and demonstrate that the votes of the people remain sacred,โ he stated.
Khalid concluded by urging the people of Osun State to remain peaceful, vigilant and law-abiding, while encouraging them to participate actively in the democratic process and protect their votes through lawful means.
I AM FROM IKIRUN AGUNBE-ONILE
