Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has cautioned against what he described as the militarisation of the August 15 Osun State governorship election, warning that the poll could serve as a crucial test of Nigeria’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections.

Atiku spoke at the ADC National Youth Leadership Summit in Abuja, where he urged security agencies and government institutions to remain neutral and refrain from actions capable of giving any political party an undue advantage.

According to him, the scale and posture of security deployment ahead of the Osun election appeared excessive for a democratic exercise.

“Elections are civil engagements, not military operations. Ballot papers are not bullets. Voters are not enemy combatants. Opposition members are not insurgents,” he said.

The former vice-president questioned why similar security resources were not being deployed with greater urgency against terrorists, kidnappers and bandits who continue to attack communities and kill Nigerians.

He warned security personnel against intimidating opposition supporters or allowing state institutions to be used to influence the outcome of the election.

“The police belong to Nigeria. The military belongs to Nigeria. INEC belongs to the Nigerian people. None of them belongs to the APC,” Atiku said.

He also charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the timely distribution of election materials and guarantee voters unhindered access to polling units.

Atiku urged the electoral body to prevent what he described as “mysterious glitches, unexplained delays or manipulation” and ensure transparency throughout the accreditation, voting, counting and transmission of results.

“The world is watching Osun. Nigerians are watching. History is taking notes. Let the people vote. Let every vote count. And let the will of the people prevail,” he said.

Beyond the Osun election, Atiku pledged to promote greater youth participation in politics under his political programme, saying at least 30 per cent of legislative candidates would be below the age of 40, with a significant proportion below 30.

He challenged young Nigerians to move beyond expressing frustration on social media and take an active role in shaping the country’s political future.

“Anger is not an organisation. A hashtag is not an organisation. Your time is not tomorrow. Your time is now,” he added.