The Osun State chapter of the Accord has raised concerns over an alleged plot to steal sensitive election materials ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The party also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies to take urgent preventive measures.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Osun State Chairman of the party, Pastor Victor Babalola Akande, the party claimed it had received credible intelligence suggesting that opposition elements were planning to compromise the electoral process through the theft and concealment of election materials.
“The alleged plot is aimed at preventing the timely deployment of sensitive election materials to selected polling units across the state, a situation that could disenfranchise thousands of eligible voters,” the statement said.
The party stated that the alleged disruption of election logistics could undermine the credibility of the governorship poll if appropriate safeguards were not put in place before election day.
Accord urged INEC to ensure that every stage of the handling of sensitive election materials, including storage, movement and distribution, is subjected to strict accountability and security measures.
“The people of Osun State are expecting the Commission to conduct a free, fair and transparent election. Any negligence or complicity that allows sensitive election materials to be diverted, withheld or outrightly stolen will be viewed as a grave betrayal of the constitutional responsibility entrusted to the electoral body,” the statement read.
The party also appealed to security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, DSS, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and other relevant agencies, to investigate the alleged intelligence and take preventive action before the election.
According to the statement, “proactive intervention by security agencies would be more effective than responding after any disruption had occurred during the electoral process.”
Accord warned that it would oppose, through lawful and democratic means, any attempt to steal, divert or deliberately conceal election materials with the intention of disenfranchising voters or manipulating the outcome of the election.
“The sovereign will of the people of Osun State cannot and must not be subverted through electoral sabotage,” the party stated.
The party also called on residents of Osun State to remain peaceful, vigilant and law-abiding while reporting any suspicious movement or handling of election materials to the appropriate authorities.
“The August 15 governorship election as a significant moment for democracy in Osun State. All stakeholders should ensure that the electoral process is conducted without interference or acts capable of undermining its credibility,” the statement concluded.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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