A civil society organization, Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, has urged the electorate in Osun West Federal Constituency not to be intimidated by politicians from voting for their choice candidate during Saturday’s senatorial bye-election in the area.
Addressing a press conference in Osogbo on Wednesday, the CCLCA Director General, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, disclosed that the opinion poll and survey conducted by the centre revealed that some politicians threatening to win at all cost had sent fears into electorates’ minds about the process.
Nwambu, who said that the election monitoring centre had been accredited by Independent National Electoral Commission to observe the Osun West bye-election, noted that the survey’s findings further revealed that the electorate now preferred to remain at home without casting their ballots on the election day.
He, therefore, warned politicians against hate speeches capable of creating tension in the state, insisting that, “Nigerian citizens with requisite Permanent Voters’ Card and voting age should shun all forms of intimidation and come out to exercise their franchise on Saturday, June 8.
“The essence of this opinion poll, pilot survey and SWOT analysis of candidates preparatory to the Osun West Senatorial bye-election is to essentially promote transparent electoral system in Nigeria by providing an accessible, independent, interactive platform for election observation and results with a view to detecting discrepancies, voting procedure , voter education and awareness in line with our mandate as INEC accredited civil society organization.
“Most instances of bye-elections in Nigeria occur after an incumbent becomes ineligible to continue in office. This could be due to a recall, ennoblement, criminal conviction, or failure to maintain a minimum attendance. Over 400,000 eligible voters are expected to exercise their franchise during this election across the 10 LGAs designated for the election.
“The atmosphere in Osun west has been fully charged with political activities. Major political parties contesting the election are the PDP, the APC and Accord Party.”
He further alleged, “There are news making headlines across the state, especially in the social media, that a particular political party has all arrangements to manipulate the electoral process by subverting the power of the ballot and the will of the electorates.
“Our opinion poll has also showed that some politicians, who are threatening to win at all cost, including the use of violence, has ignited fear on some electorate, who, rather than being hurt during election, prefer to remain at home without casting their ballot.
“We hereby advise politicians to play by the rules as the electoral management body, the security agencies and the observers are more determined to work together in ensuring that perpetrators of electoral related offences are brought to book.
“The electorate and individuals, who dwell in Osun West Senatorial District as well the contiguous LGAs and states are hereby advised to keep away from thuggery and snatching of ballot boxes during the election.
“Once again, we wish to advise our brothers and sisters that the long arm of the law would catch up with anyone or group of persons, who attempt to circumvent our electoral process, bringing to bare, equity, fairness and and the rule of law enroute a transparent, free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.”
