National chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu, has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against rigging of Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections.
According to him, the electoral body must follow the path of honour by maintaining its policy of continuous improvement of the nation’s electoral systems and process which it has done so well and committed so much resources to build.
He called on INEC to ensure that the right thing is done in light of the unfolding events surrounding the presidential election.
In a state he personally signed and issues in Abuja, Nwosu said, “It smacks of gross irresponsibility for the commission and its staff to attempt to mess with the much prized BIVAS and servers in spite of the commitment and understanding of all stakeholders and our international friends.”
The national chairman cited the serious works and efforts put in by the electoral umpire and commended them for conducting the 2023 general elections under very difficult circumstances.
He urged the commission to endeavour to finish well to help our nation heal and democracy to continue to advance.
He said, “They must not at this time collude with unpatriotic elements and self-serving politicians to compromise the integrity of the commission and our democracy.
“The scandalous flirtation between some of its ad-hoc staff and principal officers is capable of discrediting the effort of the commission, the political parties and Nigeria citizens, especially the youths, to ensure that our nation takes its rightful position in the comity of nations.”
While commending the commission, Nwosu also urged the INEC to remain neutral and unbiased in its execution of this critical election.
“The voices that spoke so loudly and clearly cannot be allowed to be drowned by the evil machination of a few that had put Nigeria in darkness since independence. The unfolding incidents around the many regions are simply unfortunate and near despicable,” he added.
Nwosu further said the liaison between INEC and Governor Wike and some other influential persons in Imo, Edo, Delta and Lagos, almost marred the preparation and readiness of the commission to give Nigerians a quality election that is adjudged as free, fair and credible.
“The noticeable and embarrassing irregularities appear suspicious to the citizens of Nigeria and to the many international observers who came from as far as the United States of America, EU, South Africa and other countries.
“The political shenanigans include the stampede, hijack and destruction of electoral materials in Imo state, and crude fifth columnists’ antics of Governors of Imo, Rivers, Kaduna and the managers of His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu campaign organization.
“The youths and majority of our citizens have made so much sacrifice for this day. It behooves INEC and President Buhari to take whatever steps necessary to correct the abnormalities of today in all carry over elections and uphold the integrity of the nation’s electoral process. After 24 years, our democracy should be making steady progress.”
“Residents in Rumuonhwa polling unit in Rivers state, have cried out over claims made by the INEC adhoc staff that they forgot the Presidential ballot papers and so they would only proceed with the National Assembly elections. A woman who was at the polling unit and recorded a video demanded for INEC to do the right thing and not prevent them from casting their votes for their preferred candidates”.
Nwosu queried INEC’s claim that it forgot the ballot papers when they went to the polling station to conduct the presidential election.
“All SPOs in Obio Akpor LGA disappeared with BVAS password for uploading results, only for the CSO to Governor Wike to appear with armed policemen, shot sporadically in the air and then took away all the BVAS machines to Obio Akpor LGA Headquarters. It seemed planned in connivance with the INEC officers and Ad Hoc team”.
On uploading of results and the faults that suddenly developed by the BIVAS, Chief Nwosu frowned at the electoral umpire.
He continued: “The developing third force is a collective effort and sacrifices of Nigerian youths following the tragedies of the EndSARS and cluelessness of the political elites, executive branch and legislators. The Nigeria youths and citizens deserve their victory and no wedge must be placed on their way.
“It is beyond reason that in Lagos, many of the INEC staff refused to upload the results for the presidential election. This is as they uploaded the results of the Senate and House of Representatives.”
Citing eyewitnesses’ account, he said INEC and their collaborators were using the police to drive agents of the Labor party, the ADC Star Alliance and their supporters out of the voting places.
He stated: “The INEC staff claim they have concrete instructions from the INEC headquarters not to upload. Why must this be, especially after the promises and Peace Accord.
“INEC must provide a clear and immediate explanation why the results were stopped from being uploaded. It was done in Osun and in Ekiti, and we set the protocol for this election before all stakeholders. Who is subverting the process?
“Nigeria cannot be allowed to descend to anarchy. We have come a long way. INEC and the federal government should ensure the anomalies of the elections are rectified. The people of Nigeria have spoken and they spoke loudly and clearly. INEC must not allow this election to be rigged.”
