NANS Director Urges Osun Students to Shun Electoral Violence, Crimes

The Director of Strategic Engagement, Office of the Secretary-General, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), National Headquarters, Comrade Oladeji Israel Victor, has urged students across Osun State, particularly those in the state capital, Osogbo, to stay away from electoral violence and all forms of electoral crimes ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

Oladeji called on students to embrace peace, responsible civic participation and respect for the rule of law, stressing that no political ambition should be allowed to jeopardise the future, safety and academic pursuits of Nigerian students. His appeal comes amid heightened concerns over political tension and reported incidents of violence in parts of Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

He advised students not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of political violence, thuggery, intimidation, vote buying or other activities capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process. According to him, students have a responsibility to protect their future by making informed and peaceful choices while exercising their civic rights.

The NANS official further urged students to remain vigilant, avoid violent gatherings and reject any inducement or pressure to participate in activities that could lead to arrest, injury or disruption of the electoral process. His position aligns with recent calls by NANS Southwest Zone D for students to participate responsibly in the election while avoiding intimidation, inducement and political violence.

Oladeji also appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to keep students and educational institutions away from electoral violence, stressing that campuses should remain centres of learning and development rather than platforms for political confrontation.

He urged students in Osun State and Osogbo to demonstrate maturity before, during and after the election, noting that peaceful participation remains a stronger contribution to democracy than involvement in electoral crimes.

“Students must not allow themselves to be used as tools for violence. Our future is bigger than any political contest, and we must protect it by choosing peace, obeying the law and participating responsibly in the democratic process,” he said.