Democracy in Peril? Unraveling Election Manipulations in Osun State University Alumni Association and Nigeria

In recent times, the landscape of elections, both nationally and globally, has been marred by controversies surrounding manipulation and political maneuvering. The Osun State University Alumni Association Elections serve as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing democratic processes in Nigeria. This think piece aims to dissect the intricacies of electioneering and manipulation within the context of the Osun State University Alumni Association and its implications for Nigerian democracy.

At the heart of the matter lies the fundamental principle of democracy: the right of individuals to choose their representatives through free, fair, and transparent elections. However, in practice, achieving this ideal has proven to be elusive, particularly in regions where the political landscape is marred by corruption, coercion, and undue influence.

The Osun State University Alumni Association, like many other grassroots organizations in Nigeria, grapples with these challenges during its election cycles. Despite efforts to uphold democratic norms, reports of vote-buying, intimidation, and manipulation often surface, casting a shadow of doubt over the legitimacy of the outcomes.

One of the underlying issues contributing to election manipulation is the lack of robust electoral infrastructure and oversight mechanisms. In Nigeria, electoral processes are susceptible to external influence due to inadequate safeguards against malpractice. This vulnerability is further exacerbated by the prevalence of money politics, where financial resources are used to sway voters and secure electoral victories.

Furthermore, the polarized nature of Nigerian politics exacerbates tensions during elections, with rival factions within organizations resorting to underhanded tactics to gain a competitive edge. In the case of the Osun State University Alumni Association, intra-party rivalries and personal agendas often overshadow the principles of democratic governance, leading to divisions and acrimony within the alumni community.

Addressing the scourge of electioneering and manipulation requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses legal reforms, institutional strengthening, and civic education. Efforts to combat corruption and enhance transparency in electoral processes are paramount to restoring trust and credibility in democratic institutions.

Moreover, fostering a culture of political accountability and citizen engagement is essential for safeguarding the integrity of elections. Civil society organizations, the media, and other stakeholders play a crucial role in monitoring electoral activities and holding perpetrators of electoral fraud accountable.

In conclusion, the Osun State University Alumni Association Elections serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges facing Nigerian democracy. By confronting the root causes of election manipulation and upholding the principles of transparency and fairness, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and participatory democratic process in Nigeria. It is imperative that all stakeholders work together to build a future where elections are truly reflective of the will of the people, and where the voices of all citizens are heard and respected.

Engr. Olasupo promises to challenge UNIOSUN Alumni election, says it was marred with electoral irregularities

A presidential candidate and leader of the revilisation group has said the uniosun alumni association electoral process conducted on the 27th of April, 2024 was marred with irregularities and he would be challenging it. Earlier a correspondent I’m a conversation with Engr. Olasupo confirmed that he had already being to court ahead of the elections. He was reported to have opted to boycott the elections instead of presenting his manifesto when he was called upon claiming that there were irregularities including his name not being on the voters list. Our correspondent also confirmed that quite a number of allegedly eligible voters were not allowed to vote because their names were not on the list used. Engr. Olasupo took to the association’s WhatsApp group to deliver a message to his supporters and the membership of the association as a whole.

Dear Alumni family,

I want to believe we are all back at our Anchor point, hope the journey wasn’t too stressful? Yesterday’s convention filled me with tremendous joy and feeling of elation as I was pleased to finally meet many of you personally, to network and interact. A friend once told me “YOUR NETWORK IS YOUR NETWORTH”, let continue to connect and increase our reach.

The activities of yesterday have shown that if we maintain our interest, and pull together our resources, we can yield a positive future and steer the association back on track.
To achieve this however, we must embrace our diversity and shun belligerent acts.

Think of this alumni association as a tree planted in the village square, it is only beneficial when we nuture it and let it grow. The more we care for it, the more the shed it will provide and the fruits it will bear. Eventually these fruits end up as seeds that will grow into trees which can be planted in each compound. If it doesn’t grow then the benefits are shrinked and the entire village may be fighting to pluck the unripe fruit further limiting the growth and potential of the tree.

Like our dear country with the Six Geopolitical zones, our alma mater has Six campuses, this gives me the belief as an Awoist that if OSUAA can work… Nigeria can, hence my immense passion for the association! I was pleased with the enthusiasm I saw with the participation yesterday, so yes we can make it work but we need to do it right. What is to be done right should be done rightly!

My intention to contest for the alumni association is because I believe that my value as an individual will contribute to the office of the president rather than seek for the stool to elevate my societal status. My sincere gratitude to those that believe in our goals and capacity to deliver the manifesto!
My appreciation to the members that left their coffers of comfort to be present and support the cause. We will revitalise this association!

The actions of the CTC/EC to deprive financial members their voting right is an act that has tainted a pivotal day for our dear association. Undermining democratic principles by adopting voters suppression, Gerrymandering and ultimately disenfranchisement of financial members. Do take note that seeking redress is only fair to the future of the alumni as we do not know which goose will lay the golden egg.

I say a prayer for the ones we’ve lost and hope to share beautiful memories with this Alumni family.
God bless you all!

Greatest OSUNITES!

ENGR Bashorun Olasupo Ridwan.
Civil Engineering
Class of 2013

More updates on this as the story unfolds.

Hoarding: Osun taskforce issues warning

The Osun State Government Taskforce on Petroleum Price Monitoring has warned owners of petrol stations across the state against hoarding petroleum products to create artificial scarcity.

The warning was issued in a statement by the taskforce chairman and Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Kazeem Akinleye on Sunday in Osogbo.The warning is coming after reported cases of hike in pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known and petrol and resurgence of long queues in filling stations in some parts of the country.

In some states, the pump price of PMS had gone up to between N700 to N750 per litre.

Akinleye noted that the taskforce’s surveillance revealed that most filling stations were hoarding petrol, thereby worsening the fuel supply situation in the state.

“Surveillance activities were conducted in major towns and the state capital in the last three days and that it revealed deliberate hoarding of fuel to create artificial scarcity. “The taskforce consequently issues strong warning to affected filling stations which are already listed as direct culprits to open up their tanks and dispense fuel to the members of the public.”While urging marketers to be public spirited in the pricing of petroleum products, the taskforce reminded them of the already harsh economic situation on the members of the public.“Failure to stop the fuel hoarding and take humanitarian notice of prevailing economic situation in the country will lead to severe sanctions,” the statement warned.

UNIOSUN alumni elections: Arisilejoye boasts to have achieved his objectives despite oppositions

The electoral committee chairman of the just concluded Uniosun alumni elections has taken to social media platforms particularly the WhatsApp group of the association to appreciate his team for achieving the set out objectives. In his celebratory message, reproduced below he reels out remarks on the apparent failure of those perceived to have been opposed to the success of the exercise he was responsible to oversee:

YOU ARE ALL MY HEROES

It was cloudy from the beginning and we hoped that the sky to become clearer sooner or later. Unfortunately, when it was almost dawn, the darkness overpowered breaking of the dawn.

Several people used the opportunity of darkness to shoot different arrows at us but our unity and resolute minds provided us an unbreakable shield.

They tried as much as possible to divide and rule us, but we already anticipated the moves and made a barricade. At the centre of every decision was the progress of our association. Uncountable are the sacrifices you made to ensure the success in this election. Despite our differences, we sailed through the darkest hour and crossed to the broad day light.

Election was conducted, success was recorded. In fairness, post election complaints are expected even from those who believed they are greater than the guidelines of the process or those who believed a blind eyes should be turned to the pronouncement of the Constitution of this great association. They are all welcome.

Some threatened us with different things, ranging from phone conversation recordings, petition and all sorts. We were not bothered and remained unrattled.

We focused on the course and saw their moves before they made them. We ensured we stand by the principles, law and regulations of this election in line with the letters of the constitution of our association.

The commitment and firmness of this Electoral Committee give me a high hope for this association in particular and Nigeria in general. It was nice working with you all and I want to thank you all very specially for the job well done. God bless you.

Arisilejoye Azeez Ade
2024 OSUAA Electoral Chairman

The electoral commitee completed its assignment last Saturday by announcing winners for the 2024 elections. A tribunal was setup to hear petitions from aggrieved parties.