Osun Decides: NSCDC CG Warns Against Violence
…Vows Tough Action to Protect Osun Election
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi, has warned political actors and other individuals against any attempt to disrupt the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, assuring that the Corps will take firm action against anyone threatening the peace and integrity of the poll.
Audi issued the warning on Thursday during an operational visit to Osun State to assess the Corps’ level of preparedness and engage key stakeholders ahead of the election.
The NSCDC boss visited Governor Ademola Adeleke, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the state command of the Corps as part of efforts to strengthen security arrangements for the exercise.
Speaking during the engagements, Audi stressed that the priority of security agencies was to ensure a peaceful, credible and violence-free election.
“We do not want any bloodshed. We will decisively deal with anyone who attempts to disrupt the electoral process,” he said.
His warning followed concerns over alleged threats by some political elements seeking to intimidate voters and create tension ahead of the election.
Receiving the Commandant General, Governor Adeleke commended him for personally inspecting the security arrangements in the state, describing the visit as a demonstration of commitment to protecting democracy and maintaining peace.
The governor expressed concern over emerging security challenges, noting that although Osun had traditionally witnessed peaceful elections, recent political developments had raised fresh security concerns.
Adeleke called for the deployment of sufficient personnel and operational resources to prevent violence, neutralise threats and ensure that individuals attempting to undermine the election are apprehended and prosecuted.
At the Osun State INEC office, Audi met with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, and assured the commission of the NSCDC’s full support throughout the electoral process.
He noted that safeguarding electoral materials, facilities and other critical national assets remained part of the Corps’ responsibilities.
“The NSCDC is an integral part of election security. We are partners in this process, and anyone who attempts to vandalise assets or interfere with the election will be seriously dealt with,” Audi warned.
Babalola appreciated the Commandant General’s visit and praised the collaboration between INEC and the NSCDC, describing his personal presence in the state as evidence of strong leadership and commitment to the electoral assignment.
She reaffirmed INEC’s determination to deliver a transparent, free and fair election.
At the NSCDC state headquarters, Audi addressed officers assigned to election duties and directed them to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and respect for the rule of law.
He cautioned personnel against excessive use of force and warned them not to act impulsively, stressing the need to operate strictly within approved rules of engagement.
The Commandant General further directed officers to maintain effective coordination with other security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, which he identified as the lead agency for election security operations.
He urged personnel to remain calm and exercise sound judgment when confronted with potentially volatile situations, while maintaining constant communication with their commanders and carrying out their duties with dedication and integrity.
Audi assured stakeholders that the NSCDC would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to protect voters, electoral infrastructure, critical national assets and the overall electoral process before, during and after the election.
The Corps reiterated its commitment to providing a secure environment where citizens can exercise their constitutional right to vote freely and without intimidation or fear.
The Commandant General’s visit highlights the intensified security preparations ahead of the Osun governorship election, as security agencies move to forestall political violence and safeguard the credibility of the democratic process.
