The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA) has announced plans to pursue visa restrictions against politicians who compromise the integrity of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, Director-General of CCLCA, a coalition of civil society organizations, emphasized the coalition’s commitment to ensuring a fair election that reflects the will of Edo voters.
Nwambu, who also convenes the Civil Society Round Table on the Edo Governorship Election for INEC-accredited observer organizations, stated that the coalition would reach out to international embassies, including those of the US, EU, and Canada, to advocate for global visa restrictions on politicians, electoral offenders, and their families who attempt to subvert the election process.
He stressed the importance of neutrality from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and called for all eligible voters, including those who registered during the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise, to receive their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in a timely manner.
Nwambu also urged law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of all participants in the electoral process without harassing law-abiding citizens. He called on the judiciary to remain independent and vigilant, particularly in the face of any attempts to interfere with the election process.
In addition, Nwambu denounced any plots to detain individuals on baseless grounds to prevent them from participating in the election, warning that such actions undermine Nigeria’s democratic principles.
The CCLCA also called on network providers to ensure uninterrupted service during the election to support the smooth operation of the BVAS system and the real-time transmission of election results.
Speaking alongside Nwambu, Mr. Bafunsho Tunde, CEO of the Organisation of Justice for Equity Sustenance, urged registered voters to collect their voter cards and turn out in large numbers to vote, assuring them that INEC and security agencies are working to ensure a peaceful election.