Osun guber: Residents accuse security agents of detention

Security operatives have been accused of detaining residents of Osun State in front of the Independent Electoral Commission's (INEC) office in Osogbo. The residents claimed they were heading to their polling unit to vote when they were stopped and detained around 5am. However, security operatives, including policemen and soldiers, said the restriction order must be followed to prevent hoodlums from disrupting the election. The security agents insisted that voters leave their vehicles and motorcycles and trek to their polling centres. Still, the voters argued that their polling centres needed closer to where they were stopped.

The situation caused a lot of tension and delays at the polling units, as voters were stranded and unable to cast their votes. INEC officials were also affected as they had to wait for the voters to arrive before they could commence the voting process. Some affected residents claimed they had to bribe the security operatives to gain their freedom, while others were detained for hours.

Many, including civil society groups and political parties, have condemned the situation. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of colluding with the security operatives to frustrate the electoral process. The PDP alleged that the APC was using security operatives to intimidate voters and rig the election in their favour.

The situation in Osun State highlights the challenges facing the electoral process in Nigeria, particularly in security. The use of security operatives to intimidate voters and disrupt the electoral process is a significant concern, and there have been calls for the government to address the issue. The conduct of free, fair, and credible elections is essential for democracy to thrive in Nigeria. Efforts must be made to ensure the electoral process is transparent and inclusive.

As the election continues in Osun State, there is a need for all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the electoral process is free, fair, and credible. INEC officials must be allowed to do their job without hindrance, and voters must be allowed to cast their votes without fear of intimidation or harassment. Security operatives must also be held accountable for their actions and prevented from interfering with the electoral process. Only by working together can we ensure that Nigeria's democracy continues to grow and thrive.