By Mardiyyah Abubakar
Businessman Deji Adeleke has urged security agencies and electoral officials to remain neutral during the upcoming Osun State governorship election.
Speaking at the 12th Convocation Ceremony of Adeleke University, Ede in Osun state, he condemned the involvement of police officers and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in election malpractice and called for credible elections.
Adeleke warned that election rigging, violence and result manipulation continue to weaken Nigeria’s democracy and discourage foreign investment.
He said foreign investors often question Nigeria’s electoral credibility, adding that credible elections are essential to attracting investment and boosting economic growth.
“Until Nigerians ensure that votes truly count and uphold the integrity of the electoral process, the country will keep losing investment opportunities to other nations,” he said.
Highlighting the challenge ahead of the Osun governorship poll, Adeleke noted that the state has 3,763 polling units, making it impossible for electoral officials to monitor every location at once.
He alleged that some election officials and security personnel compromise the process by accepting bribes and manipulating results.
“People are killed just because of elections,” he said, urging all stakeholders to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
Adeleke said Nigeria must reform its electoral system to restore public confidence and improve its international reputation.
Earlier, Adeleke University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Solomon Adebola, announced that 1,375 students graduated during the institution’s 12th convocation, including 190 First Class graduates, while 164 students completed postgraduate programmes.
