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…Says It’s a Lesson For Imo People
From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
The leadership of the Action Peoples Party (APP), Imo State Chapter, has Congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke and the good people of Osun State on the outcome of the governorship election, saying that beyond the victory of a candidate or political party, that the outcome represents a powerful affirmation of the sovereignty of the people and their inalienable right to freely determine who governs them.
The Imo Party salute the courage, resilience and vigilance demonstrated by the people of Osun State in standing firm in defence of their democratic choice, in the face of allegations of intimidation, vote buying, political thuggery and attempts at institutional compromise, the people demonstrated that an electorate determined to protect its mandate remains the strongest safeguard of democracy.
In a statement on Monday, the state chairman of APP, Hon Ernest Njesi said,
“The significance of this victory therefore transcends Osun State. It sends a strong message across Nigeria that no political party, regardless of its control of the machinery of government, should be greater than the collective will of the people. Democracy derives its legitimacy from the consent of the governed, and elections must remain an avenue through which that consent is freely expressed.
“We also commend Afrobeat superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, for the remarkable role he played in mobilising the youths of Osun State and galvanising support for the democratic process. As head of youth mobilisation for Governor Adeleke’s campaign, Davido deployed his enormous influence, public platforms and grassroots structures to engage young people and encourage their participation. His decision to commit his time, voice and reach to the mobilisation effort demonstrates the enormous difference young people can make when they become active participants rather than passive spectators in the political process.
Continuing, Njesi said ,”The doggedness exhibited by the people of Osun has become a source of inspiration to us in Imo State as we approach the 2027 general elections. Their courage reminds us that intimidation can be resisted, inducement can be rejected and the democratic will of a determined people can prevail when citizens refuse to surrender their rights.
For us in the Action Peoples Party in Imo State, the Osun experience has further strengthened our resolve. We are determined to replicate this people-driven democratic revolution in Imo State, beginning with the National Assembly election and carrying the same momentum into the governorship election later in 2027. We believe that with proper mobilisation, vigilance and the collective determination of Imolites, the people can reclaim the power to determine the direction and leadership of our dear state.
I therefore charge Imolites to draw strength from the Osun experience. We must approach the 2027 elections with courage, vigilance and an unwavering determination to protect the sanctity of our votes. We must reject vote buying, political violence, intimidation and every attempt to undermine the freedom of the electorate to choose their leaders. No machinery of government can be more powerful than a people united in defence of their democratic rights.”
The future of Imo State is ultimately in the hands of Imolites. No amount of political intimidation or deployment of state power should make our people believe that their votes do not matter. When citizens overcome fear, participate actively in the electoral process and peacefully defend their democratic choices, they reaffirm the fundamental principle upon which representative government rests — that sovereignty belongs to the people.”
