Igbo elders, acting under the Igbo Patriotic Forum (IPF), appealed on Wednesday to President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retired) and the police hierarchy to reopen police stations in the South‑East that have remained closed for more than three years. The forum argued that the closures have heightened insecurity in the region and fostered a “senseless sit‑at‑home out of sheer fear.”
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, IPF Chairman and former Police Service Commission Chairman Simon Okeke urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) failure to upload presidential election results from polling units to the INEC Results Viewing Portal. He called on citizens to participate in the upcoming March 11, 2023 governorship and State House of Assembly elections, emphasizing the importance of exercising their franchise, especially in the South‑East.
Okeke praised the President for a smooth election in the South‑East and reiterated that the President should support the Inspector‑General of Police in reopening the long‑closed stations. He noted that the closures have contributed to insecurity and fear‑driven sit‑at‑home protests.
The IPF has documented reports from across the country indicating that INEC fell short of expectations in the recent presidential election. Despite assurances from INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu and other officials, widespread irregularities were recorded. Okeke highlighted the nationwide enthusiasm of youths and voters, who, he said, are “tired of the old order” and ready to vote across tribe, religion, or creed when presented with credible candidates.
He condemned the manipulation of votes, stating that the results were “falsified” and rejected by both Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and Peoples Democratic Party candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. Okeke expressed confidence that the judicial process will eventually reveal the truth.
Okeke lamented that, although the federal government allocated a substantial budget for the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to ensure free and fair elections, the machines failed at critical moments. Consequently, the final outcome now rests with the courts.
He called on Nigerians—youths and elders alike—to remain calm and law‑abiding as the legal proceedings unfold, reminding them that “weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Despite the alleged fraud, Okeke urged the public not to lose hope and to continue seeking justice through the judiciary.
Finally, he reiterated the invitation to all Nigerians to vote on Saturday, March 11, for their preferred candidates in the forthcoming gubernatorial and state assembly elections.
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