http://www.newsportng.com.ng As an aftermath of the February 25th presidential and National Assembly elections, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, (AYCF) has warned that any attempt to undermine the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) will be resisted.
AYCF in a press statement signed by its National President, Alh. Yermia Shettima, in Kaduna on Sunday said they are aware of distractions from various quarters regarding the transparency of the election but it is a deliberate act to distract the electoral umpire.
According to shettima, INEC has given the 2023 elections their best shot by training and retraining of election officials, using the BVAS successfully in 90% cases adding that
as with elections anywhere in the world, INEC couldn’t have done a perfect job because in reality they cannot be completely infallible.
He said, “we shall resist all the forces seeking to undermine the current democratic process as being upheld by INEC. We make bold to say that we are key stakeholders of the current democracy because of our history of struggle to end military dictatorship and sow the seed of civilian government.
“We are also aware that the forces working against the INEC leadership do not mean well for Nigeria and we are prepared any day, to stop them from their destabilization agenda. INEC must be allowed to deliver on their mandate without any hindrance.
“We are also prepared to ensure that peace is preserved under a democratic atmosphere because we gave our mental and physical abilities to ensure that democracy is where it is today. No one should date truncate this democracy. Whoever has ear let him hear, we have warned.”
“We say no to the forces of destabilization of Nigeria who have been calling for the resignation of INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu without any cogent reason.
“INEC has given the 2023 elections their best shot by training and retraining of election officials, using the BVAS successfully in 90% cases.
“As with elections anywhere in the world, INEC couldn’t have done a perfect job because in reality they cannot be completely infallible
“For those who are crying wolf over election rigging, they need to have a rethink because APC’s Bola Tinubu lost in his immediate Constituency of Lagos and Labor party won many areas. PDP’s Atiku Abubakar lost his immediate Constituency of Adamawa. It is very clear that this is comparatively the most free and fair election since 1999. It is pointless crying foul where there is none .
“We call on men and women of good conscience to support the efforts of INEC to bequeath a good electoral legacy for the country. Imagine holding elections under a cashless policy, when there rural areas without banks and ATM machines or non-existent internet infrastructure. It is obvious that the INEC officials made enormous sacrifice under the current economic and national security challenges to hold successful presidential and National Assembly elections.” AYCF said.
