Atiku warns against Osun election militarisation

Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and Nigeria — African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, warned the Nigeria — Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the administration of President Bola Tinubu against militarising the upcoming Nigeria — Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15. Speaking at the ADC National Youth Leadership Summit in Abuja on August 12, 2026, Atiku described the scale of security deployment as resembling preparations for war rather than a democratic exercise. He demanded transparent electoral processes and cautioned against manipulation. Atiku also raised fresh questions about discrepancies in the Chicago State University certificate submitted to INEC by President Bola Tinubu, citing differences in dates and signatures, and called for authentication of the exact document. He pledged that at least 30% of legislative candidates under his political programme would be below 40 years old.