Organised Labour in Osun State has called on anti-corruption and security agencies to intensify efforts to curb vote-buying, electoral malpractice and rigging ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The labour unions also demanded a peaceful, free, fair and credible election, urging security agencies to maintain strict neutrality and protect voters from intimidation, harassment and victimisation.
The demands were set out in a resolution signed by the Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Christopher Arapasopo; the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Bimbo Fasasi; and the Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC), Comrade Lekan Adediran.
Organised Labour said the pre-election environment required urgent intervention by relevant authorities to safeguard democratic integrity and civil stability in the state.
It called on security agencies to ‘strictly curtail vote-buying, electoral malpractice, and rigging at all costs’ to preserve the sanctity of the ballot.
The unions further demanded the immediate disqualification or banning of any political party or partisan actor found guilty of instigating violence or committing electoral infractions before, during or after the election.
They also urged all eligible voters to exercise their franchise freely, without harassment, intimidation or embarrassment, and called on security agencies deployed for the election to operate without political interference or bias.
The labour leaders expressed concern about recent activities and utterances by Mr Gboyega Oyetola, nephew of President Bola Tinubu, in relation to the election.
They called on the Presidency and relevant authorities to caution him against actions that could heighten political tension in the state.
The unions also invited the international community to monitor the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and political actors throughout the electoral process.
According to the labour unions, copies of the resolution and security alert had been forwarded to relevant national and international authorities for immediate action.
Organised Labour said it remained committed to ensuring a free, fair, credible and violence-free election that would protect the interests of workers, pensioners and other residents of Osun State.