The Director General of the Opomulero Group, Hon. Olasupo Olakunori, has thrown his weight behind the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its firm position that only candidates who emerged from duly monitored party primaries should be recognized during the nomination process.
Hon. Olakunori described INEC’s position as a bold defence of democracy and the rule of law, stressing that the votes of party members cannot and must not be overturned through political influence, backroom negotiations, or administrative manipulation.
“Every vote cast during a valid primary election represents the collective will of party members. Once that mandate has been freely given and duly monitored by INEC, it must be respected. Democracy loses its meaning when the will of the people is replaced by the will of a few powerful individuals.”
He noted that internal democracy is the foundation of every credible election, adding that political parties must respect the outcomes of transparent primaries if they expect Nigerians to have confidence in the electoral process.
The DG urged all political stakeholders to allow the law and the Electoral Act to guide their actions, rather than resorting to decisions capable of undermining the credibility of the democratic process.
“The era of overturning valid electoral mandates through political arrangements must come to an end. The Nigerian people deserve a democratic system where votes count and where justice, fairness, and due process prevail.”
Hon. Olakunori commended INEC for standing firmly on the side of constitutional order and called on the Commission to remain steadfast in protecting the integrity of party primaries without fear or favour.
He reaffirmed that the Opomulero Group will continue to champion justice, fairness, accountability, and the protection of every legitimate mandate freely given by the people.
“The ballot is the voice of the people. Once that voice has spoken through a lawful process, no one should silence or rewrite it. Democracy must always triumph over political convenience.”
Signed:
Hon. Olasupo Olakunori
Director General, Opomulero Group
