Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo sociocultural organization, has issued a scathing condemnation of the recent allegations made against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), particularly under the leadership of Professor Mahmoud Yakubu.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, described the allegations as “malicious falsehoods peddled by the anti-democratic group known as the South-South Alliance—an organization evidently manipulated and funded by unscrupulous politicians whose sole aim is to erode public trust in INEC.”
Isiguzoro emphasized that the credibility and neutrality of INEC have improved significantly in recent times, making it imperative for all stakeholders to rally in support of the institution. “It is essential that we safeguard the integrity of INEC at all costs, as it represents the cornerstone of our nation’s electoral democracy,” he stressed.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo deputy president general also warned that the spurious allegations against INEC pose a significant risk of inciting violence and destabilizing the electoral landscape. “We implore INEC to dismiss these baseless accusations as the distractions they are, intentionally devised to draw attention away from their critical responsibilities.”
Isiguzoro called on all Nigerians to rise in defense of the nation’s institutions, denounce falsehoods, and ensure that the integrity of INEC remains sacrosanct. “Let us unite in our shared commitment to uphold the democratic principles that bind us as a nation,” he urged.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with Professor Yakubu and his team at INEC to fortify Nigeria’s democracy against anti-democratic forces.