Akpabio vs Natasha: Ohanaeze urges INEC to stay focused

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), under the leadership of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to remain focused amidst alleged corruption charges linked to the recent recall saga of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as an attempt by “anti-democratic forces” to destabilise Nigeria’s democratic process.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna, the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, described the allegations as a “deliberate fabrication designed to incite chaos and destabilise the electoral landscape.”

“It is a calculated attack aimed at undermining the integrity of a commission that is vital to the functioning of democracy in Nigeria.

“We categorically label these charges as malicious falsehoods peddled by the anti-democratic group,” Isiguzoro said.

The organisation called on INEC to remain focused on its constitutional duties and to ignore what it described as “baseless accusations” meant to distract the commission.

“We implore INEC to dismiss these baseless accusations as the distractions they are, intentionally devised to draw attention away from their critical responsibilities.

“It is essential that we safeguard the integrity of INEC at all costs, as it represents the cornerstone of our nation’s electoral democracy,” Isiguzoro stated.

Isiguzoro also referenced the ongoing political situation involving the proposed recall of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, warning that unverified claims against INEC could escalate tensions.

“The Nigerian populace is acutely aware of the unfolding political drama surrounding the proposed recall of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“It is profoundly undemocratic for shadowy figures and obscure factions to create artificial panic through spurious allegations against INEC. Such actions, if not curtailed, pose a significant risk of inciting violence that could culminate in the destruction of INEC offices and threaten the safety of its officials across the nation,” he added.

According to Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is concerned about reports suggesting that “unprincipled politicians” are exploiting the political tension between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan to discredit INEC.

He further expressed support for the ongoing reforms within INEC under Professor Yakubu’s leadership, stating that these efforts are essential for the credibility and independence of Nigeria’s electoral system.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo stands steadfast at the forefront of advocating for improvements in INEC’s independence, credibility, and transparency. We believe that the commendable initiatives undertaken by Professor Yakubu to reshape INEC for efficient electoral reform and to enhance its constitutional role as an unbiased national electoral umpire should not be undermined by orchestrated, faceless groups,” he said.

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