Democracy Day: Electoral Integrity Best way to Honour Our Heroes – Ebonyi APGA Candidate Cautions Nigeria.

As Nigeria roll out Drums to celebrate her nascent democracy day, an Ebonyi renowned philanthropist and 2027 APGA House of Representatives candidate for Ebonyi/Ohaukwu federal constituency, Chief Tochukwu Ogalagu, has urged political actors in the country to entrench the culture of integrity, fairness, credibility and respect for citizen’s leadership choices in the electoral process.

The advise is contained in his June 12 Democracy Day message made available to journalists in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital.

Ogalagu maintained that it is only by having respect for electoral integrity and democratic principles and practice that the sacrifices of our living and past national heroes of democracy and constitutional governance can be meaningful in our national life. He described June 12 as a significant date in Nigeria’s history, noting that it symbolizes the struggle for justice, electoral transparency and the supremacy of the people’s will.

“As we celebrate democracy, we must renew our collective commitment to justice, fairness, accountability and respect for the sovereign will of the people. Democracy cannot thrive where electoral manipulation, voter intimidation and result falsification are tolerated.

“The commemoration serves as a reminder of the courage and resilience demonstrated by Nigerians in defending democracy following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election widely acclaimed the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history”, he said.

While wishing his constituents and Nigerians generally a happy democracy day celebration, the candidate popularly known as T-Man cautioned against violence, divisive politics and actions capable of undermining the country’s democratic process. “Politics should be driven by ideas, service and solutions rather than personal attacks”, he emphasized, adding: “political actors and stakeholders should embrace issue-based campaigns, tolerance and democratic civility ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

The APGA candidate further urged Nigerians to support leaders based on competence, integrity and performance, irrespective of political party, ethnicity or other personal considerations.

Ogalagu congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima as well as members of the National Assembly on the occasion, commending their efforts toward strengthening democratic institutions, promoting national unity and advancing socio-economic development across the country. He also facilitated Governor Francis Nwifuru and his wife, Uzoamaka Mary-Maudline as well as the deputy Governor, Pricess Patricia Obila for collectively driving the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda of the state.

While praising the leadership of APGA political party at all levels for their commitment to the Party’s unity and progress, the Reps flag bearer admonished Ebonyi/Ohaukwu constituents of Ebonyi state to be law abiding and vigilant in participating and defending their mandate come 2027, adding that APGA remains committed to providing a credible alternative platform for good governance and people-oriented leadership.

He stressed the need for citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and resist any attempt to undermine the credibility of elections.

Ogalagu disclosed that through personal initiatives and community-based interventions, he has facilitated over 1000 employment opportunities and supported numerous individuals in the areas of healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure and financial assistance, and pledged to continue championing policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the people if elected to represent Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency in the National Assembly in 2027.

He also promised to pursue legislative reforms that would promote social justice, strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises, expand access to credit for traders and farmers, and improve living standards across the constituency,