Osun Election: Civil Society Coalition Raises Alarm Over Alleged Plot by former Army Chief Adeosu to Compromise Military
By Our Correspondent
The National Civil Society Coalition in Defence of Democracy has raised the alarm over an alleged attempt by a retired Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Adeosun, to influence the conduct of military personnel deployed for the forthcoming Osun State governorship election in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The coalition, in a statement jointly signed by Comrade Jude Osekede and Olusegun Fasakin, alleged that the retired Army chief was mounting pressure on military authorities to alter the operational instructions given to personnel deployed to the state, with the intention of creating an opportunity for political thugs to disrupt the electoral process in areas considered strongholds of the Accord Party.
According to the group, information from what it described as “credible intelligence sources” indicated that Adeosun was allegedly seeking to influence the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force in a manner capable of undermining the neutrality and professionalism of the military during the election.
The coalition alleged that the reported move was particularly disturbing given existing concerns over political violence in parts of Osun State.
“We have credible reports that General Adeosun is lobbying military authorities to compromise the personnel already deployed to Osun by changing their operational instructions. While the deployed soldiers have been instructed to prevent any group from unleashing violence on voters, there are allegations that pressure is being mounted for the military to look the other way while political thugs disrupt the election,” the statement said.
The group further alleged that the retired General was attempting to drag the military into partisan politics, warning that such a development could damage the hard-earned reputation of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The coalition said it was particularly concerned by allegations that political thugs linked to the election crisis had been responsible for the deaths of more than 15 residents, with over 50 others reportedly receiving treatment for gunshot injuries.
It, however, stressed that the allegations against the retired General should be subjected to appropriate investigation, while urging the military authorities to remain completely neutral and resist any attempt by political actors, serving or retired, to interfere with their constitutional responsibilities.
The signatories warned serving military officers to be cautious of any retired officers or political actors who might attempt to lure them into activities capable of compromising their professional careers or undermining Nigeria’s democratic process.
“We appeal to serving officers to remain vigilant and wary of anyone who may seek to lure them into anti-democratic or unlawful activities. The military must remain above partisan politics and continue to protect the integrity of the electoral process,” Osekede and Fasakin stated.
The coalition called on the officers and men of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force deployed to Osun State to strictly maintain law and order and ensure that every eligible voter is able to exercise their franchise without intimidation, violence or interference.
The group also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all relevant security agencies to ensure that the election is conducted in accordance with the law, insisting that the security forces must protect voters and electoral officials irrespective of political affiliation.
The coalition further called on international election monitors and local election observers to take particular note of any attempt to compromise the neutrality of security agencies, especially any unexplained changes in operational directives or unusual patterns of military conduct before, during and after the election.
“We urge international monitors and local observers to pay close attention to the conduct of security agencies and document any attempt to politicise the military or manipulate the electoral environment. The credibility of the Osun election must not be compromised by partisan interests,” the statement added.
According to the coalition, what Nigerians expect from the security agencies is neutrality, professionalism and strict adherence to the Constitution, stressing that the only acceptable outcome is an election in which voters are allowed to freely determine who governs them.
The group therefore appealed to all political parties and their supporters to shun violence and allow the people of Osun State to freely exercise their constitutional right to vote.
