The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has described election rigging as war that must be fought to ensure the evolution of true democracy in Nigeria.
According to him, it is only free and fair elections that can be taken as the lifeline of virile democracy, even as he acknowledged the sacrifices and struggles that paved the way for the civil rule that we currently enjoy.
In a statement today, June 12, to commemorate Democracy Day, Governor Adeleke called on politicians in the country to submit themselves to upholding the tenets of democracy by respecting the will of the people.
He advised the political class to recommit themselves to strengthen the country’s electoral system to deliver credible elections and ensure that the will of the people is not subverted.
“The best homage we can pay to our democratic heroes is for us to continue to uphold the basic tenets of democracy, including free and fair elections and observance of rule of law.
“We cannot on one hand, celebrate democracy day and on the other hand, undermine the democratic tenets. You cannot be applauding the great memories of the late Bashorun Abiola and at the same time be working against free and fair elections.
“I call on leaders locally and nationally to re-dedicate ourselves to democratic ideals. The will of the people freely expressed must be accepted by genuine democrats. Our electoral system must be strengthened to deliver credible elections.
“Under no circumstances should the will of the people be subverted.
“Free and fair elections are the lifeline of any virile democracy. “Politicians must grow to know and accept that power flows from the people. Rigging elections is an act of war against democracy. Genuine democrats accept electoral verdicts as a mark of respect for the voters, the ultimate holder of sovereignty. “That’s what I did in 2018 when I was denied victory.
“If there is any lesson June 12 every year is to teach us, it is that democracy thrives when electoral candidates bow to people’s will. We must stop being autocratic in democratic garb.
“If you are rejected at an election, take it in good faith and prepare for the next round of election. “After all, Abraham Lincoln failed several polls before his eventual emergence as American president.”
