By Silvernews
While Barr. Uche Onyeagocha continues to receive accolades for his dramatic intervention during the 2019 Imo State governorship election collation process, many believe the full story of how democracy was defended in the state cannot be told without recognizing a determined group of young volunteers who worked behind the scenes to protect the people’s mandate.
The youths, operating under the Votes Protection Squad (VPS), emerged as one of the most active civic groups during the election, maintaining a strong presence at collation centres and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Owerri.
The initiative was reportedly established by the Imo Global Alliance for Good Governance (IGAGG), a diaspora-based organization, following concerns over possible attempts to manipulate election results. The objective was to monitor the collation process and ensure transparency throughout the exercise.
Members of the squad were recruited, trained and deployed across strategic locations in the state. Apart from serving as observers, they were tasked with monitoring activities around collation centres and reporting suspicious movements that could undermine the electoral process.
To strengthen their operations, the group partnered with local radio stations, creating awareness and encouraging citizens to report alleged cases of electoral malpractice. The collaboration provided a platform for rapid information sharing and response.
Sources close to the operation claimed that the volunteers intercepted several attempts to introduce questionable result sheets into the collation process. According to the sources, the alleged fake results, if successfully integrated into the final tally, could have significantly altered the outcome of the election.
One of the most talked-about incidents occurred at the INEC headquarters in Owerri when members of the squad reportedly stopped an unmarked vehicle seeking entry into the premises. The volunteers allegedly insisted on proper identification and inspection before access was granted, highlighting their determination to enforce strict monitoring.
The youths, according to eyewitness accounts, also faced intimidation and attacks from suspected political thugs during the exercise. One of their vehicles was reportedly vandalized, although no casualties were recorded.
Despite the challenges, members of the squad remained on duty until the conclusion of the collation process, insisting that their mission was to ensure that the votes cast by Imo people were protected.
Political observers say that while prominent figures often dominate discussions about electoral victories and defeats, the contributions of these young volunteers represent an important chapter in Imo State’s democratic history.
For many residents, the Votes Protection Squad remains the untold heroes of Imo Democrats—young citizens who risked their safety in the belief that democracy can only thrive when the will of the people is protected and respected.
