By ARMSTRONG ALLAHMAGANI, Bauchi –
A group, Northern Youth Forum, has condemned the call by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should cancel the Presidential elections over alleged infractions and irregularities.
The forum described the call as an attempt to cause crises in the country.
They said that the accusations he made against the officials of INEC were false, advising him to accept the choice of Nigerians in electing Ahmed Tinubu rather than create disaffection among the people.
The group stated these in a statement signed by its National Secretary, Comrade Khalid Ibrahim, and made available to journalists in Bauchi on Wednesday.
“Again, the group also wants to make it clear to Nigerians on the need to be cautious of utterances by some senior citizens like former President Olusegun Obasanjo who is doing everything he could to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere being enjoyed in the democratic setting of the country.
“The accusations he made on INEC officials based on the results being collated are purely far from the truth. Obasanjo’s undemocratic stand on many issues of the country, has further reduced his level to a mere roadside argument rather than being a respected elder statesman.
“The group wishes to call on the former President to respect the choice of Nigerians without creating unnecessary differences on religion, tribe and regional background,” the statement read.
The group called on all law enforcement agencies to, “as a matter of national security, be on alert to immediately arrest anybody found either directly or indirectly instigating violence among the peace-loving Nigerians.”
It commended INEC for “conducting a free, fair and transparent general election” held on Saturday the 25th February 2023 across the federation.
The northern group, which expressed its satisfaction over the election processes, opined that INEC has not deviated from its promises to improve on the previous exercises, also called on the general public, especially constituted authorities, to continue supporting the electoral body in all its activities for effective service delivery.
“Lastly, as a body advocating for good governance and peaceful democratic consolidation, Northern Youth Forum would like to again, reaffirm our confidence and hope on INEC to continue the legal processes of results collation and not allow any unnecessary obstacle delay them,” it stated.
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