L-R: Dr. Kabir Alabi, Mr. Gbemiga Ogunleye, Hajia Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), Alhaji Najeem Jimoh, Eze Anaba, Gabriel Akinadewo, Remmy Nweke and Idris Hamza at the conference.
By Peace Udugba — The Daily Torch Media
The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Hajia Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, has expressed confidence that the party will win the 2027 governorship election in the state, saying its supporters are prepared to protect their votes through lawful means.
Sowunmi-Kolapo spoke on the sidelines of the ongoing Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) conference in Enugu on Thursday.
She was reacting to a paper titled, “Election Petitions in the Digital Age: Independence, Evidence, BVAS and the Courts,” delivered by former Nigerian Bar Association President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN.
The PDP deputy governorship candidate said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has an important role to play in ensuring that the 2027 elections are transparent and credible, thereby reducing the likelihood of post-election litigation.
She said the PDP in Ogun State was confident of securing victory, regardless of the actions of the ruling party.
“When elections become very transparent, most participants usually accede to defeat. Most post-election litigations arise from alleged unfairness and fraud at the polls,” she said.
Sowunmi-Kolapo described the 2027 general elections as significant for Nigeria’s democratic development, saying the conduct of the polls would have implications for public confidence in the electoral process and the judiciary.
“INEC and the courts must weigh the implications of any intentional denial at the polls. Most Nigerians have lost interest in the elections, but 2027 will determine whether there will be participatory democracy or none again in the country,” she said.
She added that young Nigerians were increasingly interested in ensuring that their votes were protected.
“Nigerians are wiser. The youth have come of age and are poised to see that the right thing is done.
“In Ogun State, we are not just campaigning, we are educating people on their rights to vote, protect their votes and resist intimidation by those who are not even true stakeholders like them.
“The media also have a huge role to play in advocacy to ensure that the right thing is done,” she said.
Sowunmi-Kolapo also dismissed suggestions that the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State would be uncontested, insisting that the race would be keenly contested.
She maintained that the PDP would emerge victorious at the end of the election.
“Our people in Ogun State are ready and will do everything lawful to ensure that their votes count in 2027, and they will count,” she added.
