By Jimoh Babatunde

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State has vowed to wrest power from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 governorship election, with its deputy governorship candidate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, expressing confidence in the party’s victory.

Sowunmi-Kolapo spoke on Thursday on the sidelines of the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference, ANEC, in Enugu, where a paper titled, “Election Petitions in the Digital Age: Independence, Evidence, BVAS and the Courts,” was presented by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN.

She called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure greater transparency in the conduct of the 2027 elections to minimise post-election disputes and litigation.

“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.

The PDP candidate said the 2027 election would test not only the capacity of INEC and the judiciary but also Nigeria’s commitment to democratic participation.

“INEC and the courts must weigh the implications of any intentional denial at the polls. Most Nigerians have lost interest in elections, but 2027 will determine whether there will be participatory democracy or none again in the country,” she said.

Sowunmi-Kolapo said Nigerian youths were increasingly aware of their electoral rights, adding that the PDP was educating voters in Ogun State on how to participate in the electoral process and protect their votes.

“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,” she said.

She also urged the media to play a stronger role in voter education and advocacy ahead of the election.

The deputy governorship candidate said the PDP was prepared to pursue lawful remedies if disputes arose from the election, while expressing confidence that the party’s supporters would protect their votes at polling units.

“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 said.