Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has stepped into the allegation against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of making move to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi central, saying the unfounded allegation is undemocratic that could ruined the neutrality of the electoral umpire.
This was contained in a statement made available to Journalists by the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndidgbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro.
Recall that Senator Akpoti has been in tangle with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio over allegations of sexual harassment, which has caused her suspension from the Senate.
Ohanaeze warned mischief makers to desist forthwith so that the credibility of INEC should not be soiled, and called on stakeholders to rally support of the nation’s democratic institution to thrive.
“The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, issues this profound statement to unequivocally condemn the malicious and unfounded allegations made against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), particularly under the astute leadership of Professor Mahmoud Yakubu. We assert, with the utmost conviction, that the credibility and neutrality of INEC have positively improved in recent times, making it imperative for all stakeholders to rally in support of our democratic institutions.
“Moreover, the Nigerian populace is acutely aware of the unfolding political drama surrounding the proposed recall of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. It is profoundly undemocratic for shadowy figures and obscure factions to create artificial panic through spurious allegations against INEC. Such actions, if not curtailed, pose a significant risk of inciting violence that could culminate in the destruction of INEC offices and threaten the safety of its officials across the nation.
“Particularly troubling are the reports of clandestine plans by unprincipled politicians to exploit the ongoing political crisis between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Such maneuvers are designed to orchestrate chaos and to manipulate the public narrative surrounding Professor Yakubu and his pivotal role at INEC.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo stands steadfast at the forefront of advocating for improvements in INEC’s independence, credibility, and transparency. We believe that the commendable initiatives undertaken by Professor Yakubu to reshape INEC for efficient electoral reform and to enhance its constitutional role as an unbiased national electoral umpire should not be undermined by orchestrated, faceless groups. It is our collective duty to support those endeavors rather than allow them to be derailed by malicious intent.
“As a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s democratic project, Ohanaeze Ndigbo affirms its commitment to partnering with Professor Yakubu and his dedicated team at INEC. Together, we must fortify our democracy against the relentless onslaught of anti-democratic forces.
“We call upon all Nigerians—regardless of partisan affiliation—to rise in defense of our institutions, to denounce falsehoods wherever they are propagated, and to ensure that the integrity of our electoral commission remains sacrosanct. Let us unite in our shared commitment to uphold the democratic principles that bind us as a nation.
“The recent spate of allegations claiming corruption within INEC is nothing short of a deliberate fabrication designed to incite chaos and destabilize the electoral landscape. It is a calculated attack aimed at undermining the integrity of a commission that is vital to the functioning of democracy in Nigeria.
“We categorically label these charges as malicious falsehoods peddled by the anti-democratic group known as the South-South Alliance—an organization evidently manipulated and funded by unscrupulous politicians whose sole aim is to erode public trust in INEC.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo denounces this campaign of calumny, which we identify as the treacherous handiwork of fifth columnists seeking to disrupt the democratic process. We implore INEC to dismiss these baseless accusations as the distractions they are, intentionally devised to draw attention away from their critical responsibilities. It is essential that we safeguard the integrity of INEC at all costs, as it represents the cornerstone of our nation’s electoral democracy”, the statement added.