Chieftain of the Action Peoples Party (APP) and member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the people of Osun State for the peaceful conduct of the recent governorship election.

Ugochinyere, in a statement, described the election as a positive development for Nigeria’s democratic process, saying the exercise demonstrated the resilience of the country’s democratic institutions and the increasing capacity of stakeholders to conduct credible elections.

He said, “The Osun election is an important demonstration of the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the growing capacity of stakeholders to deliver credible and peaceful elections.”

The lawmaker particularly praised the leadership of INEC for its efforts to improve the electoral process, stressing that sustained public confidence in the commission remained essential to the development of Nigeria’s democracy.

According to him, “Public confidence in INEC remains critical to the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria,” urging the electoral body to maintain the momentum of its ongoing reforms.

Ugochinyere also commended the security agencies for their role in maintaining peace during the election and creating an environment where voters could exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.

He said, “The security agencies deserve commendation for maintaining peace and providing the necessary environment for citizens to exercise their franchise without undue intimidation.”

The lawmaker called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to respect the outcome of the election, stressing that the will of the electorate should remain central to Nigeria’s democratic process.

“Political actors and their supporters must respect the will of the people as expressed at the polls. Elections should be viewed as an opportunity for citizens to choose their leaders freely,” he said.

He urged INEC to sustain its electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly through improved transparency and stronger engagement with political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

Ugochinyere said the positive reactions to the Osun election should encourage further institutional reforms aimed at strengthening the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.

He said, “The commendations from different stakeholders underscore the importance of continued institutional reforms and the need for all Nigerians to support efforts aimed at deepening democracy and strengthening electoral credibility.”

The APP chieftain further urged Nigerians to remain committed to strengthening democratic institutions, saying the success of future elections would depend on the ability of key stakeholders to retain the confidence of the electorate.

He said, “The future of our democracy depends on the ability of institutions such as INEC, our security agencies and all political actors to earn and sustain the confidence of the Nigerian people.”