By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

The Grassroots Mobilization Initiative, GMI, has commended party members, contestants and organizers for the peaceful conduct of the recently concluded political primaries across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group also praised the use of the Option A4 voting system during the primaries, describing the process as transparent and orderly.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Samaila Musa, GMI said the large turnout of citizens at the grassroots level showed that many Nigerians were ready to participate actively in choosing their leaders through democratic means.

Musa said the orderly participation of Nigerians demonstrated a deep desire among citizens to actively shape the leadership of the country through democratic means.

He said: “As a non-partisan organization dedicated to the advancement of grassroots democracy and good governance, GMI believes in commending political maturity, transparency, and exemplary leadership wherever it is demonstrated.

“The massive, orderly turnout of citizens at the grassroots level underscores a growing civic consciousness and a deep-seated desire among Nigerians to actively shape the leadership of their country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The Grassroots Mobilization Initiative highly commends the adoption and execution of the Option A4 voting model during these primaries. The orderliness, transparency, and absolute peace witnessed at the voting centers across the states prove that when political systems empower ordinary citizens with a direct, unambiguous stake in choosing leaders, democratic integrity thrives.

“By eliminating ambiguity and ensuring visible accountability, this model set an encouraging standard for internal party democracy in Nigeria, a feat that GMI hopes to see replicated across the entire political spectrum.”

The organization also congratulated candidates who emerged victorious in various categories, including State Assembly, National Assembly, governorship and presidential primaries.

He described State Assembly candidates as the foundation for grassroots legislation and community development, while National Assembly candidates were tasked with shaping national policies and protecting federal interests.

The group further noted that governorship candidates would bear responsibility for driving sub-national development, while the presidential flagbearer would carry the burden of articulating a national vision for progress and unity.

He added, “GMI reminds all successful candidates that their emergence is not merely a political victory, but a profound social contract and a mandate to deliver excellence, equity, and genuine dividends of democracy to the Nigerian people.

“While we recognize the success of this internal democratic exercise, the Grassroots Mobilization Initiative emphasizes that the ultimate test of our democracy lies in the general elections.

“As a nationwide structure committed to voter education and civic mobilization, GMI is actively working across every ward and local government area to ensure high voter turnout, peaceful participation, and the election of credible leaders across all party lines in 2027.

“Our principle at GMI has always been clear: we are not partisan, but we are fiercely committed to good governance and democratic excellence. When a political process respects the voice of the grassroots, it deserves recognition. We look forward to a much wider, historic nationwide celebration of democratic success after the 2027 general elections.”

The organization also urged contestants who failed to secure party tickets to demonstrate sportsmanship and continue contributing to national peace and development.