The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has expressed its approval of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies for the smooth conduct of the off-season elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States.
In a statement released by the National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the group commended the efficient security arrangements put in place before and during the elections, contrary to earlier speculations.
Okwu noted that despite concerns of potential violence, the security agencies effectively ensured the safety of citizens throughout the electoral process, with the unfortunate exception of an incident during the collation of results in Brass, Bayelsa State. The organization extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and urged the security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.
The President emphasized, “We commend the various security operatives deployed during these elections; despite a few isolated cases of compromise, the majority demonstrated remarkable impartiality and commitment to their duties.”
The statement also congratulated Governors Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, and the governor-elect of Kogi State, Usman Ododo.
Furthermore, the Ohanaeze youth president praised the voters in Kogi State and the other states for exhibiting responsible behavior, countering expectations of violence.
With the emergence of winners, the organization urged political stakeholders to honor the electorate’s decision and collaborate with the governor-elects to advance the respective states.
Okwu urged INEC to dismiss calls for result annulment, advising aggrieved parties to seek legal redress instead.
He also commended INEC for delivering what he termed “a credible election in the three states.”
