The former Senatorial candidate of the Action Peoples Party (APP) in the just-concluded Anambra South Senatorial by-election, Chief Onyemelukwe Eusebius Zonyelu , has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting what he described as a free, fair, and credible election held on August 16, 2025.
Chief Onyemelukwe, who contested in the poll, praised INEC for its professionalism and efficiency, noting that electoral materials and officials arrived early at all polling units across the district. He further lauded the seamless operation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), stating that no polling unit was left unattended during the exercise.
According to him, “INEC did a very diligent and honest job. It is a welcome development that shows our electoral system is improving, and people are beginning to believe in the process again.”
The APP stalwart emphasized that any irregularities witnessed during the election were largely due to the conduct of some voters, not INEC. He therefore urged the Commission to sustain its integrity and transparency in the forthcoming Anambra Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025, as well as the 2027 general elections.
INEC should continue to conduct free and fair elections in Nigeria, just as they did in the Anambra South Senatorial by-election,” he said.
Beyond the electoral process, Chief Onyemelukwe made a passionate appeal for greater bipartisanship among political parties in Nigeria. He proposed that after every election, winners should host their opponents—who did not challenge the outcome—to a post-election dinner, not for celebration, but to share and discuss their various manifestos.
He explained that such a gesture would enable leaders to harmonize good ideas from all political divides and integrate them into their development agendas, thereby deepening democracy and governance.
This will strengthen democracy, reduce post-election litigations, and ensure that elections produce tangible dividends for the people,” Onyemelukwe added.
Drawing an analogy with the Olympic Games, he said:
Even in the Olympics, a winner must emerge, and others go back to prepare for the next competition. The winner would not have won without competitors — and so it is in politics.”
Quoting Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, the APP chieftain reminded politicians that “kinsmen gather not because they lack food or drink, but because it is good for kinsmen to do so.” He stressed that politics should serve as a platform for unity and collective progress, not division.
He further advised political actors to discard the “do-or-die” approach to elections and embrace cooperation, dialogue, and the pursuit of national interest above personal or party considerations.
In politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests. Let us not hurt each other because we seek power,” he said.
Chief Onyemelukwe Appeals for the Release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
Chief Onyemelukwe has made a passionate appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to order the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
According to Chief Onyemelukwe, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s advocacy centers on the pursuit of good governance, justice, equity, and fairness for all Nigerians. He emphasized that releasing Kanu would promote national reconciliation, peace, and unity, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to democratic values and the rule of law.
Chief Onyemelukwe concluded his statement with a patriotic call for unity and progress, saying:
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Long live the President of Nigeria, Senator Ahmed Tinubu.”
One Comment to “APP Chieftain and Freedom Fighter, Chief Onyemelukwe, Commends INEC for Credible Anambra South Senatorial By-Election; Calls for Bipartisanship in Nigerian Politics”