NANS Southwest Urges Student Structures to Remain United, Peaceful as Osun Goes to Polls

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has urged student leaders, campus structures and recognised student mobilisation teams across Osun State to remain peaceful, coordinated and vigilant as voters go to the polls today.

In an Election Day notice signed by the Coordinator of NANS Southwest Zone D, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode (BILLIONCODES), the association described Nigerian students as a major stakeholder in the electoral process, citing available analysis of the updated voters' register which puts students at 752,800 registered voters, representing approximately 32.2 per cent of registered voters in the state.

Kayode commended NANS Joint Campus Council leadership, Students' Union Government presidents, NAPS, NFSAN, NAUS, NANCES, student activists and other recognised structures for their roles in voter sensitisation, PVC collection and political awareness ahead of the election.

He said the student movement's numerical strength must be matched by responsibility, discipline and peaceful participation.

According to the notice, established communication and coordination channels have been activated across the student structure to facilitate the sharing of verified information concerning polling units, security concerns, welfare issues and incidents affecting students.

NANS Southwest also cautioned individuals and groups against attempting to create parallel student leadership structures or falsely claiming to speak for Nigerian students without consultation with recognised student bodies.

The association maintained that while students may support different political candidates and parties, their individual choices at the ballot box remain personal and must be respected.

Kayode further urged students with valid Permanent Voter Cards to participate peacefully, comply with lawful electoral procedures and promptly report genuine security threats, intimidation or irregularities through appropriate channels.

"Whatever happens today, the message is already unmistakable: Nigerian students are no longer spectators in determining the leadership and future of Osun State. We are stakeholders, and our voice matters," he said.

He called on all student structures to prioritise unity and peaceful engagement throughout the electoral process, stressing that the numerical strength of students should never become a justification for violence or confrontation.

The NANS Southwest Coordinator expressed hope that the will freely expressed by the people of Osun State would prevail.