The Coalition of Registered Political Parties on Monday cautioned against rigging in the August 15 Osun State governorship election, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission to remain transparent, impartial and professional.
Speaking at a press conference in Benin, Edo State, on Monday, National Chairman of CRPP, Samson Isibor, also warned against vote buying, voter intimidation, manipulation of electoral materials, falsification of results, interference with the collation process and any other practice capable of undermining the will of the electorate.
He said that the outcome of the election must be determined by the votes legitimately cast by the people, warning that no individual, political party, government official, security personnel or electoral actor should attempt to impose a result that does not reflect the choice of the electorate.
He said, “The Coalition of Registered Political Parties is issuing a strong warning against any attempt to rig, manipulate or otherwise subvert the August 15 governorship election.
“We warn against vote buying, voter intimidation, manipulation of electoral materials, falsification of results, interference with the collation process and any other practice capable of undermining the will of the Osun electorate.
“We call on the Independent National Electoral Commission to remain transparent, impartial and professional throughout the voting, counting, collation and declaration processes.”
While urging Osun people to come out peacefully to exercise their franchise, the CRPP urged them to pay close attention to the process at their respective polling units, urging them to remain vigilant before, during and after the election.
He called on voters to defend their votes through lawful and constitutional means, while calling on all political parties, candidates, supporters and their agents to reject violence before, during and after the election.
Isibor said the CRPP was particularly concerned about reports of alleged intimidation, arrest and harassment of members and supporters of the Accord in the build-up to the election.
He added, “We, therefore, call on the Nigeria Police to immediately put an end to any form of intimidation, harassment or unlawful restriction allegedly targeted at Accord members.
“The police must understand that their constitutional responsibility is to protect all citizens and provide a secure environment for every political party and candidate to campaign and participate freely in the electoral process.”
He said the CRPP was in support of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s quest for a second term.
Follow the OSUNDOTLIFE channel on WhatsAppKindly share this story | All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from OSUNDOTLIFE.
Contact: editor@osun.life
WhatsApp: 📲 +2348092333666