Unspeakable Heroes of Imo Democrats: How Youth Squad Foiled Alleged Vote Bomb Plot

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By Silvernews

While Barr. Uche Onyeagocha continues to receive accolades for his dramatic intervention during the 2019 Imo State governorship electoral collation process, many believe that the full story of how democracy was defended in the state cannot be told without acknowledging a determined group of young volunteers who worked behind the scenes to protect the popular mandate.

The youth, operating under the Votes Protection Squad (VPS), emerged as one of the most active civic groups during the elections, maintaining a strong presence at canvassing centers and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Owerri.

The initiative was reportedly set up by the Imo Global Alliance for Good Governance (IGAGG), a diaspora-based organisation, following concerns about possible attempts to manipulate election results. The objective was to monitor the collection process and ensure transparency throughout the exercise.
The team members were recruited, trained and deployed at strategic locations across the state. In addition to acting as observers, they were tasked with monitoring activities around the collection centers and reporting suspicious movements that could compromise the electoral process.

To strengthen its activities, the group collaborated with local radio stations, raising 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 said volunteers intercepted several attempts to introduce questionable result sheets into the comparison process. According to the sources, the alleged false results, if successfully integrated into the final count, 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 team reportedly stopped an unmarked vehicle trying to enter the premises. The volunteers reportedly insisted on proper identification and inspection before access was granted, highlighting their determination to impose rigorous monitoring.
The young people, according to eyewitness accounts, faced intimidation and attacks by alleged political thugs during the exercise. One of their vehicles was reportedly vandalized, although no casualties were reported.

Despite the challenges, members of the team remained on duty until the polling process concluded, insisting that their mission was to ensure that votes cast by Imo people were protected.

Political observers say that while prominent figures often dominate discussions of electoral victories and defeats, the contribution of these young volunteers represents an important chapter in the democratic history of Imo State.

For many residents, the Votes Protection Squad remain the unspeakable heroes of the 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.