Ora-Igbomina Youths Query INEC Over Flashpoint Classification, Condemn Politicisation of Insecurity
The Ora-Igbomina Youths Frontline has questioned the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to classify two local government areas in the Ila/Ifedayo/Boluwaduro Federal Constituency as electoral flashpoints ahead of the Osun State governorship election.
The group, in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Ayanyinka Olusanjo, and Public Relations Officer, Adedapo Taiwo Emmanuel, expressed concern over comments attributed to the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, describing the classification as inconsistent with the security realities in the constituency.
While acknowledging INEC’s constitutional responsibility to assess electoral risks, the group said it was unfortunate that the security challenges facing Ora-Igbomina appeared to have received official attention only because of the forthcoming election.
“It is deeply troubling that it has taken the approach of the governorship election for the grave security challenges confronting our community to receive official acknowledgement. Had an election not been imminent, it is doubtful that any agency of the Federal Government would have publicly recognised the persistent insecurity that has plagued our town,” the statement read.
According to the group, Ora-Igbomina remains the only community within the federal constituency experiencing recurring cases of kidnapping, insisting that the classification of two local government areas as electoral flashpoints does not accurately reflect the situation on the ground.
It alleged that the report on which the classification was based may have been influenced by political interests.
“We have credible reasons to believe that the report upon which this classification was based may have been influenced by political interests seeking to exploit the unfortunate security challenges facing our people for partisan advantage. We will not stand by and watch the pain, trauma and suffering of our people reduced to a political tool or an instrument of electoral calculation,” the group said.
The youth organisation also lamented what it described as the Federal Government’s failure to respond decisively to the wave of kidnappings despite repeated appeals by residents and community groups since the first incident was reported last year.
“It is regrettable that despite repeated outcries by residents, youth organisations and the entire Ora-Igbomina community, the Federal Government has failed to take the decisive action expected of it. We had hoped that robust security measures would have been deployed to safeguard lives and prevent further attacks,” the statement added.
The group urged the Federal Government to prioritise the protection of lives and property rather than allowing security concerns to become an issue of electoral significance.
“If our community can only attract official attention because an election is around the corner, what assurance do we have that our safety and welfare will remain a priority after the election?” it asked.
The group called for the immediate deployment of additional security personnel, intelligence assets and operational resources to Ora-Igbomina and neighbouring communities to tackle kidnapping and restore lasting peace.
It also demanded that the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner provide a detailed explanation of the criteria used in classifying two local government areas within the Ila/Ifedayo/Boluwaduro Federal Constituency as electoral flashpoints.
“If Ora-Igbomina is the only community currently experiencing recurring kidnapping incidents, the public deserves to know the factual and empirical basis upon which this broader classification was made and why other communities have been drawn into a narrative that does not accurately reflect the prevailing security situation,” the statement said.
The Ora-Igbomina Youths Frontline further appealed to the Federal Government, the Osun State Government, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts to combat kidnapping and guarantee the safety of residents.
“Our people deserve lasting protection, not temporary recognition driven by electoral considerations. Ora-Igbomina is home to hardworking and law-abiding citizens whose constitutional rights to life, security and human dignity must be protected at all times, irrespective of the electoral calendar,” the statement concluded.
