Activist lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, has said Nigerians should not expect a free and fair governorship election in Osun State scheduled for next week Saturday.
Idam said expecting a free and fair election in Osun State is like expecting N1 to equal $1.
In a statement he signed titled: “The ruse to grab and run with the Osun mandate is alarming,” Idam said President Bola Tinubu does not inspire the confidence that would ensure a free, fair, and credible election in Osun State.
He said: “Expecting a free and fair election in Osun is almost like expecting ₦1 to equal $1. Under this administration, it is nearly impossible.
“The body language of President Tinubu does not inspire confidence in the possibility of a free and fair election, particularly where the President and his party have a direct political interest as Osun.
“By the way, who saw Governor Nwifuru at the Osun APC campaign flag-off? I did not see him. I have always looked forward to seeing him in such a committee of governors, even when the gathering appears to be directed against electoral freedom.
“I like to see him climb the podium, handle the microphone and talk, let Umahi always get the opportunity to decide if he or we should be proud of the successor he gifted Ebonyians.”
The activist insisted that the state deserves a free, fair, and credible election.
“Osun deserves a free, fair and credible election. The people must be allowed to freely choose their governor without intimidation, manipulation or the deployment of state power.
“May Imole win the Osun election. His people say he has done well, and if the people truly believe so, they should be allowed to freely renew his mandate,” he added.
Osun Election: Expecting free, fair poll is like wanting N1 to $1 – Lawyer Idam