Usman Critiques Security Deployment in Osun Elections

Yusuf Usman, the former chairman of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), condemned the deployment of 30,000 security personnel to Osun State for its gubernatorial election, labeling it an unnecessary act intended to intimidate voters. He expressed his views during an interview on DCL on Wednesday, stating that despite the heavy security presence, the people of Osun State exercised their right to vote.

Usman questioned the rationale behind such a large security deployment for an election while insecurity persists in northern Nigeria, specifically mentioning Zamfara. He criticized politicians for spending billions of public funds to influence voters, contrasting the amounts given to voters in Osun with the meager sums offered in the north.

Usman urged northern voters to understand their electoral power and to reject the use of religious arguments in political campaigns, particularly regarding a Muslim-Muslim ticket, which he deemed a scam. He emphasized that religious identity should not replace effective governance.