By Paschal Madu
…Urges Southeast electorates to emulate the faith, courage, strong determination of Osun people
The Eastern Union (EU) has stated that the outcome of the just concluded off-season Osun State Governorship election is a bold indication that the Nigerians can determine the outcomes of 2027 general elections.
Remember that barring any last minute change, the electoral umpire, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will organize general elections in the country on 16 January 2027 to elect the president and vice president, members of the Senate and House of Representatives. There will also be elections for state governors, and members of the house of assembly on 6 February 2027.
Reflecting on the keenly contested off-season governorship election, in a statement, signed by the National President of Eastern Union, Hon. Charles Anike, the group noted that the victory of Governor Ademola Adeleke is well deserved and commended the people of Osun State and Nigerians in general for their unwavering faith in the democratic process.
According to Hon. Anike, “the victory is not only a reassurance but a confirmation that a New Nigeria is possible come 2027 in which all Nigerians can be courageous and committed like the Osun State people.
“We commend the Osun electorates for their courageous stand and determination to ensure that their votes counted, despite the threats of death and other forms of intimidation by both imported political tugs and hoodlums from other APC states.
“The large turnout of voters in the face of unchecked threats of violence and unguarded/reckless statements by the APC leaders, is clear indication that Nigerian people are now ready to take back their country and take their destinies into their own hands.
“It further exposed the empty threats of the cowards and political opportunists, which of course will not deter Nigerians come 2027. The Osun people’s victory also shows and proven that once the electorate turns out enmass, rigging will be very difficult for the riggers.
“The turnout of the Osun voters is very commendable and recommendable to other states, especially our people from the Southeast. The people of Southeast must NOT succumb to any form of external or internal threats or intimidation and any other forms of heresies by any group of disgruntled elements.
“They must all troop out to exercise the civic duties come 2027, because a New Nigeria is Possible. Another very good omen that featured in the Osun guber election was the courageous and sacrificial posture of the Osun people, they do not just cast their votes and went away but they also waited patiently and defended their votes until their victory was declared. Those rear courage and resilience frustrated the imported election riggers.
Furthermore, the EU applauded INEC for the courage to uphold the will and mandate of the Osun people; adding that the Commission refused to bow to pressure and threats from any quarter.
They therefore urged the electoral umpire to continue in that trajectory in order to redeem its image, especially under the immediate past administration of the Commission.
“We look forward to a courageous and reformed INEC to handle the most promising 2027 general elections. We are praying that the INEC shouldn’t go back to their old ways, especially the darkest days of Prof. Yakubu Mahmood. An infamous era, notorious for brazen compromises, inconclusive elections, sale of the peoples’ mandate to the highest bidders and man made glitches.
On the conduct of security and law enforcement agencies before, during and after the Osun governorship election, the EU, in the statement, rated their performances average and in some instances, below average.
“We also commend the security agents for their roles in the Osun people’s victory, although to some extent, they failed in the discharge of their duties by allowing Alleged influx and free movement of imported political tugs.
“Allegations abound of police and DSS releasing arrested political tugs, over Alleged orders from the above. If we must make headway our security agencies should be fair to all citizens irrespective of political or party afflictions, positions, tribe or religion.
“There must not be no ‘sacred’ cow and nobody should be above the law, otherwise the 2027 election will not end well. Every political tug and bandits should and must be prosecuted no matter whose interests he represents. That would serve as a deterrent to others.
“Therefore, the future of Nigeria and Nigerians in the 2027 general elections lies squarely in the hands of INEC and the security agencies. We pray and urge them to be patriotic and discharge their duties with the fear of God. They must be fair to all, they must be professional; not to take sides but treat all citizens equally because ONLY GOD knows tomorrow.
“With the good news from Osun State, Nigerians hope has revived that 2027 will usher in a new era and spring surprises because circumstances have forced Nigerians to become more aware, more conscious and more awake to their rights as citizens. The courage, sacrifices and determination of the Osun people that ensured their votes counted and their mandate upheld will surely be replicated, escalated and re-echoed in the 2027 general elections.
“The joyous celebrations and satisfactory mood of the Osun people since the declaration of the victory, is a testament that the only way forward in this country, is that elections must reflect the will of the majority of the people. The celebrations across the state and beyond are natural and spontaneous, unlike when the results were declared at midnight.
The group noted that spontaneous joy and celebration was never witnessed in Ekiti and other states where INEC was perceived to have conducted elections that did not reflect the wishes and will of the people.
“Our election can be decided at the polls if citizens wake up and not at the court rooms presided by talready compromised judges.
“We also commend President Bola Tinubu for showing courage for the first time in his political journey, to congratulate a genuine winner of an election, despite his desperation towards 2027.
“We encourage Mr. President to keep it up and continue in that direction, tow the part of honour, so that history will be kind to him.
“He must not listen to all those brainless, selfish, shameless, hungry and ferocious blood sucking aids and political opportunists around him; who are obviously feeding him with lies just to remain relevant in power.
“Finally we will not fail to commend and appreciate Davido for using his talent and resources to ensure that the will and destinies of the Osun people are not eroded. That is exactly how to invest wisely for the future. It is only because Gov. Ademola Adeleke is his uncle but in the recent time Davido has shown concern and interests in speaking up for the voiceless masses of Nigeria.
“His recent commitment to the welfare and well-being of Nigerians can only be rewarded by God and that is a wake up call to other high profiled Nigerians, especially in this new generation.
“People must understand that the kindness you show to others, especially the poor, echoes in Heaven. Influential and blessed people must not for any reason join forces with the irresponsible government to oppress the poor.