From Umar Dankano, Yola.
The Coalition of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Accredited Observers have condemned the continuous protests by some politicians masquerading as pressure groups over cancellation of Adamawa governorship election.
Team leader of the coalition, Comrade Victor Kalu made the condemnation at a press conference in Yola Friday alleging that, some “ undemocratic elements desiring to thwart the process and win election through the back door are in the habit of organizing protests in Yola and Abuja.
Kalu being flanked by members of the coalition said the action by INEC to declare the governorship and state Assembly elections inconclusive to review and critically study complaints and reports of violence and malpractices in some local government areas was in the best interest of saving democracy.
“We support and commend INEC for suspending the election result collation at the final collation centre in Yola thus : the declaration of the election as inconclusive by the collation/returning officer in consultation with the state Resident Electoral Commissioner and other officials is in order.
“And in line with the Electoral Act and relevant Electoral laws of the nation as a democratic country. The margin of lead is less than the total number of cancelled votes as a result of some violence to the set standard for the election.
“The call for total cancellation of elections at this time by some groups is like changing the goal post in the middle of the game in order to score a cheap goal.
“INEC should remain resolute and committed in conducting a free, fair, credible and transparent supplementary election where the mandate of the people will really count as they conclude the 2023 Adamawa state governorship election”.The Coalition advanced
Kalu urged political parties, candidates and stakeholders in the state to support INEC in ensuring a peaceful conclusion of the Governorship election in the state come 15th April, 2023 and desist from the continued stone throwing and negative criticism against the commission.
“We plead with the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state (Adamawa) to boldly and courageous engage the political stakeholders, particularly political parties, candidates at a public stakeholders meeting and give them his assurances and commission’s commitment for a credible, free and fair supplementary election come 15th April. 2023 to dowse the growing political tension and uncertainty”, Kalu suggested.
