Osun election buries ‘votes don’t count’ narrative — IPAC

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.

IPAC Chairman in Lagos State, Mrs Temilola Akinade, 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 cannot 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.

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

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