Ondo poll: Arewa youths read riot act to INEC

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Alhaji Shettima Yerima, National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF).

Alhaji Shettima Yerima, National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF).
Alhaji Shettima Yerima, National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF).
Jamiu Yisa

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum has asked Nigerians to hold the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) responsible for any negative outcome of the the governorship election in Ondo State on Saturday.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the northern group, through its president, Yerima Shettima, said the electoral body had commenced the exercise on a shoddy note by claiming to be ready in spite of the many challenges before it.

Various groups have been calling on the electoral umpire to postpone the exercise arguing that the situation in the state is currently tensed, but INEC is insisting that it would go ahead with it.

“As concerned Nigerians, we are deeply touched and disturbed by the mishandling of the Ondo State re-run elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“This electoral body is still having the old, embarrassing image of an unorganized and highly partisan umpire. We therefore wish to quickly tell the whole world the bitter truth,” Shettima said, adding that the electoral umpire disappointed Nigerians by insisting it would hold the elections in total disregard for the charged atmosphere and palpable tension that could trigger a breach of peace in state.

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Yerima said it was obvious that the elections in Edo and other states were hurriedly organised because it was skewed to favour the interest of top ranking officials of INEC and its paymasters.

“Nowhere in the world is an electoral body given the powers to do as it pleases except here in Nigeria. And this is an ill-wind for justice, fairness and equity in democratic terms.

“There is evidently no justification for this Saturday’s elections in Ondo state because residents have confirmed deep fears and apprehension over the possible outcome as INEC is widely believed to be less than prepared for the task ahead,” he added.

Shettima said since INEC officials had been evading questions about how stable the state is for the elections, it is easy to see the clear and present dangers ahead of the exercise.

“We call on all relevant stakeholders, including international election observers, to confront INEC in Ondo State, to avoid abuse of law and order due to a clear lack of preparedness of the electoral body.

“It makes no sense to endanger the lives of voters simply because INEC has a hidden agenda about the election date,” he said.

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