The President and Founder of the Social Intervention Advocacy Foundation (SIAF), Dr. ‘Segun Awosanya, has formally petitioned President Bola Tinubu, expressing strong condemnation of alleged police misconduct in Edo State as the governorship election approaches.
In the petition posted on his X handle, @segalink, on Friday, Awosanya raised concerns about what he described as “unconscionable police conduct” that threatens the fairness and credibility of the upcoming election.
The popular influencer outlined multiple incidents where security forces have allegedly acted in ways that compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
He noted that these actions were not only eroding public trust in the democratic process but also undermining the rule of law, which is fundamental to the nation’s governance.
“This reckless abuse of power must not go unaddressed,” Awosanya wrote in the open letter, calling on President Tinubu to intervene and ensure that the police and other security agencies maintain neutrality and professionalism in the lead-up to the elections.
He emphasized the critical role of law enforcement in safeguarding free and fair elections and warned that if the current trajectory is allowed to continue, it could lead to violence and voter intimidation.
Awosanya’s concerns align with growing public outcry over reports of alleged partisanship by some members of the police force, with accusations ranging from harassment of opposition figures to selective enforcement of laws.
Other civil society groups and political observers have similarly raised alarms about the conduct of security forces in the state.
The petition urged President Tinubu to take immediate steps to prevent further escalation and to hold accountable any officers involved in electoral malpractice.
Awosanya, a well-known advocate for social justice and human rights, called on the administration to uphold Nigeria’s democratic values, stating that the credibility of the Edo State governorship election would serve as a test of the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the country’s democratic processes.
He concluded his open letter by reiterating the need for urgent action to restore faith in the electoral system and prevent a repeat of past electoral crises that have marred the state’s political landscape.
