Osun Governorship Election Dress Rehearsal for 2027, Says Okorie

The upcoming Osun State governorship election is a critical dress rehearsal for the 2027 general elections, according to Chief Chekwas Okorie, founding National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Okorie urged Nigerians and opposition parties to stay vigilant in defending the nation's democracy, warning of attempts to manipulate the electoral process through federal institutions.

“

The Osun State governorship election is a dress rehearsal for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in an interview, Okorie cited the controversy surrounding the freezing and subsequent unfreezing of Osun State Government accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a "test of the waters." He believes these developments serve as a warning to opposition parties ahead of the 2027 polls.

“

opposition parties must be alert to what he described as attempts to use federal institutions to influence the electoral process.

Okorie also expressed shock at President Bola Tinubu's praise for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 election, which has yet to occur. He found the President's statement that hunger existed in Nigeria long before his tenure and his approach to the 2027 election as "all is fair in politics as it is in war" to be concerning. He questioned the relevance of a presidential aide's comment that Cardinal Onaiyekan spoke only for Catholics, asking if hunger and insecurity were limited to Catholics.

“

I was shocked to hear Mr. President praise INEC for the 2027 election that is yet to be held.

The APGA chieftain advised opposition parties to intensify voter education and mobilization, emphasizing that people must not only vote but also take lawful measures to protect their votes. He stressed the responsibility of the current generation to build a nation that protects citizens' rights, security, and welfare, upholding the rule of law.

“

When a presidential aide came out to say Cardinal Onaiyekan spoke only for Catholics, is the hunger and insecurity across Nigeria restricted to Catholics alone?