The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has criticized recent protests and criticisms aimed at discrediting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a statement signed by its National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the council accused certain failed politicians of attempting to destabilize the country’s democratic institutions following their electoral defeats.
The council defended INEC under the leadership of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, citing the outcomes of the last elections as evidence of fairness and impartiality. It noted instances where sitting governors and National Assembly members lost their positions, along with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s defeat in Lagos State, as indicators of a credible electoral process.
Ohanaeze acknowledged that no electoral process is perfect, even in advanced democracies, but emphasized that such imperfections do not justify the actions of groups like #ReformINEC and #SackYakubu Movement, which it described as fronts for politically motivated agendas. The council called for an end to these protests, warning against their potential to create unnecessary crises and political instability.
Additionally, the council urged security agencies to take decisive steps to prevent any disruptions to public peace and called on the President and National Assembly to ignore these divisive agitations.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council reiterated its support for INEC and its leadership, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic institutions against any attempt to undermine their integrity. The statement concluded with a firm commitment to preserving national unity and stability.