The upcoming governorship election in Osun State, scheduled for next Saturday, is shaping up to be a contentious affair, and activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam is not mincing words about his expectations. In a blistering statement, Idam declared that hoping for a transparent and credible vote under the current administration is as unrealistic as wishing the naira would trade at par with the dollar.
Idam, known for his outspoken legal advocacy, released a statement titled “The ruse to grab and run with the Osun mandate is alarming,” in which he took direct aim at President Bola Tinubu. He argued that the President’s demeanor and track record offer little reassurance that the electoral process in Osun will be anything but compromised, especially given the ruling party’s vested interest in the state.
“Expecting a free and fair election in Osun is almost like expecting ₦1 to equal $1,” Idam wrote. “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.”
The lawyer didn’t stop there. He turned his attention to the optics of the All Progressives Congress campaign, questioning the absence of Governor Nwifuru at the flag-off event. “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.”
Despite his grim prognosis, Idam insisted that the people of Osun deserve better. He called for a vote free from intimidation, manipulation, and the heavy hand of state power, urging that citizens be allowed to make their choice without interference. He also voiced support for the incumbent, known as Imole, saying that if the people genuinely believe in his performance, they should have the unhindered chance to renew his mandate.
The statement underscores the deep-seated anxieties surrounding the poll, as observers and stakeholders brace for what could be a tense electoral contest in the South-West state.
