From Damola Adeloye, Ibadan
Chieftain of New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Ambassador Olufemi Oguntoyinbo has declared that Nigerians are watching the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on its conduct of the two off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo States, warning that it will be a pointer to what to expect in the 2027 general elections.
Oguntoyinbo maintained that INEC should be painstaking and handle the two off-cycle elections well, saying it will boost Nigerians confidence in the 2027 general elections.
The politician, who was the Ogun State NNPP gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 general election, advised the electoral umpire to put its integrity at stake and conduct the two elections well to buoy the people’s interest in the next general elections.
It would be recalled that INEC conducted the Edo governorship election last Saturday.
Oguntoyinbo said people’s reactions in the coming weeks will show if the election was well conducted or not.
In a statement made available to journalists yesterday in Ibadan, the NNPP stalwart said INEC needs to convince Nigerians about its independence with the two off cycle elections.
According to him, “INEC’s conduct in the two off cycle elections in Edo and Ondo States will be a pointer to what to expect in 2027 general elections.
“I am therefore counselling our electoral umpire to let the results in the two elections reflect the actual decisions of the electorate. It should showcase its independence like its name suggests.
“If the conduct and the results of the two elections fail to reflect the people’s wishes, then the country is doomed. Bad conduct of the two elections may set the country on fire, as those who are looking to use the 2027 general elections to remove those not doing well in government at different levels will feel disillusioned.
“INEC should not dampen people’s hope. Professor Mahmood Yakubu should write his name in gold with a good performance in the two elections.
“A situation where the courts upturn the results of our election is not the best. INEC is the election umpire and its decision should be fair. It should wear a transparent apparel and display honesty and diligence in the conduct of off-cycle election, as this would boost its image.
“I also implore the National Assembly to approve enough resources for INEC to succeed and get prepared for the 2027 elections.”
