By ADEYEMI ADELEYE

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Lagos State, says the outcome of the Osun governorship election has nullified the belief that votes no longer count in Nigeria.

Mrs Temilola Akinade, IPAC Chairman in Lagos State, made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

Akinade, who is also the Lagos State Chairman of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), described the election outcome as a positive development for Nigeria’s democracy.

“We are happy that the election was peaceful, free and fair. It reflected the wishes of the people.

“Another lesson we learnt from this election is that the general belief nowadays that votes do not count is wrong, vote actually counts.

“Osun election outcome actually cancelled and nullified this belief and narrative. We must not give up to make our democracy better and stronger,” she said.

According to her, power belongs to the people and could not be taken away from them when they actively participate in the electoral process.

Akinade said elections would be difficult to manipulate when the electorate turns out en masse to vote and protect their votes, unlike when voters show apathy.

“What we saw in Osun was a larger voter turnout who are ready to perform their franchise, not sitting at home for only few people to decide their fates.

“It is usually difficult to manipulate elections when turnout is huge, as no one has the power to buy everybody.

“Elections are easy to manipulate when only few people turnout or show interest in the process,” she said.

She, however, said the council was saddened by reported cases of violence and killings in the build-up to the election.

“We are grateful no reported loss of life during the poll,” Akinade said.

She urged citizens to always make themselves available to exercise their franchise during elections, especially with the 2027 general election approaching.

“As 2027 general election is approaching, we should bury the idea that votes do not count. Our youths, men and women should not fold hands and give up on democracy.

“People must vote and protect their votes like the electorate in Osun have demonstrated. Election must reflect the will and wishes of the electorate,” she said.

Also speaking, Mrs Adeyemi Abiola, IPAC Secretary in Lagos State and Chairman of the Action Peoples Party (APP), commended the high voter turnout and courage demonstrated by voters during the poll.

“We salute Osun State people courage on this election because they did not succumb to intimidation and harassment of some politicians.

“In spite of all these, the people’s vote still reflected their wishes. The umbrella of political parties in Lagos State is very excited,” she said.

According to her, election should be a war but a festival of democracy since it is a mission to serve people and not for any personal profits.

“Offering to serve people should not come with tension and killing. In fact, we don’t need to buy people’s conscience with money or any item.

“People should be able to vote without any inducement,” she said.

Ahead of 2027, Abiola urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agents to help Nigeria deepen its democracy by allowing votes to count as seen in Osun.

Abiola said the Osun election had demonstrated the importance of active citizen participation in ensuring that electoral outcomes reflected the wishes of the electorate.

She urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to participate actively in the 2027 general elections and defend their votes.

NAN reports that IPAC leaders said that sustained voter participation, vigilance and protection of votes remained critical to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. (NAN)