By: Peter Emmanuel |
The Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) has warned of electoral threats, late deployment of election personnel and the spread of misinformation ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election.
The warning was contained in KDI’s Osun State Pre-Election Security Risk Assessment, presented at a stakeholders’ meeting attended by civil society organisations, security experts and other stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
The assessment examined security risks, hotspots and emerging threats that could affect the election, while speakers at the event called for early intervention, targeted security deployment, better preparation by electoral authorities and stronger coordination among stakeholders.
They also raised concerns about institutional lapses, electoral violence and the ability of relevant agencies to respond quickly to incidents across the state.
Assessment Flags Security Hotspots, Emerging Threats
Presenting the assessment, Oluwafemi John Adebayo, Head of Research and Strategy at KDI, said security deployment should reflect the specific risks in different local government areas rather than follow a uniform approach.
“The deployment across LGAs cannot be the same, as the driving forces and perpetrators are different and therefore require different strategies,” Adebayo said.
He said the assessment was based on information gathered on security risks, hotspots and emerging threats and was intended to help stakeholders identify areas requiring greater attention before election day.
Prof. Ernest Ereke, speaking at the presentation, said electoral security should not be limited to the number of security personnel deployed to polling areas.
“Late deployment and institutional lapses can lead to agitation,” Ereke said, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address identified gaps before the election.
He said electoral authorities and security agencies needed to anticipate possible problems and close institutional gaps before they created tension around the poll.
Experts Warn Against Late Deployment, Institutional Gaps
AIG Abutu Yaro (Rtd.) questioned the capacity of electoral and security authorities to effectively handle electoral offences across the country’s 774 local government areas.
“In my view, as large as the country is, we are looking at INEC logistics and others, I do not believe they have the wherewithal to handle electoral offences in all 774 LGAs,” Yaro said.
He drew a comparison with the security and electoral challenges recorded during the 2021 Anambra State governorship election and stressed the need for stronger preparation ahead of the Osun poll.
Bukola Idowu, Executive Director of KDI, also called for better preparation by INEC and security agencies, particularly in dealing with pressure that could arise during the election.
Idowu identified the resources and actors that could contribute to electoral violence and urged security agencies to maintain neutrality. He also called for stronger training of ad hoc personnel who, he said, would face pressure while performing their duties.
“We are hopeful that the Elections will go well. But we cannot just rest and hope,” Idowu said, stressing the need for stakeholders to prepare rather than rely on expectations of a peaceful process.
Stakeholders Urge Verification, Stronger Electoral Coordination
The presentation also drew attention to misinformation and disinformation as political activities intensify ahead of the election.
Adebayo urged citizens, journalists and other stakeholders to verify information before sharing it, particularly claims attributed to government institutions.
“There is a lot of fake news going on: misinformation and disinformation. Any information coming from the state at this period will need to be verified,” he said.
Agianpe Onyema, who also spoke at the meeting, called for renewed public trust in electoral management bodies and security agencies.
“As we go into the Osun elections, it is essential that the people have renewed trust in our systems, especially electoral management bodies and security agencies,” Onyema said.
She also urged civil society organisations to strengthen coordination in identifying and escalating electoral concerns before they develop into larger problems.
The KDI assessment was officially unveiled at the meeting and is expected to support stakeholders in identifying potential risks and taking early measures towards a peaceful, secure and credible election in Osun State.
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