Northern Groups Flay Protests Against INEC Chairman

Northern groups under the auspices of Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) and Northern Awareness Network (NAN) have condemned the planned nationwide protests being organised by the “ReformINEC and SackYakubu” movement against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman Professor Yakubu Mahmood.

Both groups in a separate statement said, the protest was viewed as attempts by saboteurs and enemies of the state to undermine the democratic process and destabilise the nation.

NAN in their statement signed by the chairman Salihu Suleiman, also called on all stakeholders to champion a collective effort aimed at enhancing electoral processes through meaningful engagement and dialogue, rather than through protests fueled by discontent and malice.

The AYCF in a statement signed by its president-general Yerima Shettima said it was disheartening to see a segment of the youth population being misled by groups that seek to further their own agendas under the guise of reform.

“The integrity of our electoral system is paramount, and attacking the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, without substantive evidence is not only unwarranted but also counterproductive to the democratic values we strive to uphold,” he said.

Shettima called on the youths of Nigeria to disregard these divisive calls. Engaging in protests that threaten to incite chaos and instability serves only to undermine the progress we have made as a nation. Our focus should remain on constructive dialogue and collaboration to address any legitimate grievances, rather than resorting to actions that may lead to national discord.