….Urges INEC to clean house
The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), has unequivocally condemned the growing wave of political defections, particularly the mass exodus of politicians into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The condemnation is coming after Mr. Sheriff Oborevwori, Delta State Governor and his predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa defected to the All Progressive Congress from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last week.
Mr. Rwang Pam Jnr, the National Chairman, Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), in a statement which a copy was made available to News Band Newspaper, described the mass defections to APC as a dangerous trend that could entrench a one-party dictatorship, erode democratic values, and subvert the collective will of Nigerians.
It accused the ruling party of repeatedly demonstrating inability to govern responsibly.
According to Rwang Pam, under the watch of APC, Nigerians have suffered worsening insecurity, economic hardship, institutional decay, and deepening poverty.
The statement reads: This dangerous trend (mass defections) threatens to entrench a one-party dictatorship, erode democratic values, and subvert the collective will of Nigerians.
“The APC has repeatedly demonstrated its inability to govern responsibly. Under its watch, Nigerians have suffered worsening insecurity, economic hardship, institutional decay, and deepening poverty. It has become clear that APC is no longer an option for any Nigerian who desires genuine change and a better future.
“We are also deeply alarmed by the roles played by institutions and individuals who should be guardians of democracy. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is constitutionally mandated to conduct free and fair elections, has become complicit in undermining the electoral process.
“We particularly call out some university lecturers and ad-hoc youth staff recruited by INEC, who have chosen personal gain over national integrity by actively participating in electoral fraud, vote suppression, and result manipulation.
“Such actions not only sabotage the aspirations of millions of Nigerians but also tarnish the image of the academic and youth communities, who should be agents of truth and national development. COPDEM demands that INEC be reformed and held accountable for past failures. The continued tolerance of electoral malpractice is a clear and present danger to our democracy.
“As Nigeria stands at a crossroads, COPDEM urges citizens to rally behind a credible alternative a people-powered coalition that reflects our collective hopes and values, A candidate with vision of transparency, justice, and responsible governance that offers the clearest path toward national recovery.
“We call on Nigerians especially the youth, civil society, and independent-minded politicians to unite behind this transformative coalition.
“The 2027 elections must not be business as usual. We must end transactional politics, reject failed systems, and restore the voice of the people.
“We also demand that INEC, and all election stakeholders begin now to clean house, restore credibility, and ensure that no lecturer, youth corps member, or official is allowed to betray the public trust again.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. Let us defend her democracy.”
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