As the 2023 general elections draw near, the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Groups (CNYG) and the Coalition of Civil Society For Good Governance (CCSGG) have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free and fair elections.
Briefing newsmen in Abuja on the roles of INEC and the Judiciary in ensuring a credible election yesterday, the groups said it has become imperative to pause and take stock of where we’re coming from, and where we intend to go as a nation.
Speaking on behalf of the groups, the focal person, Comr. Max Tashilani, said the general election is more than a deciding moment for the country and all well- meaning Nigerians must come together to uphold the unity, sanctity and integrity of the nation by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.
“From all indications, President Muhammadu Buhari is not only desirous of bequeathing the legacy of a free and fair election, but is also poised to ensure that all institutions responsible for delivering credible elections are truly independent.
“However, as a body we will not shy away from our responsibility of drawing the nation’s attention to some acts that are capable of derailing the efforts made by Nigerians to ensure the elections are credible, and hitch free,” he said.
He lamented that investigation carried out has shown voter education embarked by INEC is inadequate as there are even nonexistent in some other places, leaving the voters vulnerable and at the mercy of unscrupulous politicians who tends to take advantage of the situation.
“The difficulties voters undergo to collect their PVCS is unbearable. Aside the difficulties of locating ones PVC, they are also reports of missing PVCs.
“Despite the difficulties INEC faces in discharging their responsibilities, we urge them to intensify more efforts to ensure they deliver to the people a free and fair election by February, 2023.”
