INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu and the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, warned the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to ensure that all election results are uploaded to the portal so that the process remains credible, free, fair, transparent and peaceful. The archbishop cautioned INEC against manipulating the results of Saturday’s governorship and state House of Assembly elections, lest it incur the wrath of Nigerians.
Archbishop Ugorji made these remarks on Friday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, during the canonical erection of the newly created Catholic Diocese of Aguleri and the installation of Most Rev. Denis Isizoh as its pioneer bishop. He expressed disappointment that INEC “failed” to honour its promise of conducting a free, fair and credible election during the recently concluded presidential and National Assembly polls. He urged Nigerians to turn out as they did before, to cast their votes and ensure that their votes count in the governorship and state assembly elections. “During that election, the results were manipulated and doctored, a development that did not reflect the wishes and aspirations of Nigerian voters who desire a new Nigeria,” he said. He added that thugs denied voters their right to vote for their preferred candidates, forcing them to choose others, while security operatives failed to protect voters and electoral officials.
Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi were also present. In his remarks, Governor Soludo noted that the day marked a milestone for his administration, recalling that he was sworn in on 17 March 2022. “Today is unique because it marks my first year in office, and during this year Anambra State has gained a new diocese and a new cardinal,” he said. He highlighted progress in infrastructural development, citing the recent flag‑off of a flyover bridge, and emphasized ongoing efforts to restore confidence in governance. Soludo dispelled rumors of a quarrel with Obi, inviting the former president to join him in saluting the people of Anambra. “I am happy to have with us the first APGA governor and my predecessor, Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi. Please make way for him to join me in saluting the people of Anambra State,” Soludo declared. When called upon to speak, Obi declined, though his presence was met with a loud ovation.
Catholic Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Anthony Guido Filipazzi, also attended. He admonished members of the new diocese to avoid becoming isolated, reminding them that there is no limit to service in God’s vineyard and that the gospel of Christ remains the spiritual driving force behind the Church’s continued existence and resilience against challenges.
In his vote of thanks, the new Bishop of Aguleri Diocese, Most Rev. Denis Isizoh, acknowledged that, although the diocese now appears independent, it will continue to rely on the assistance and guidance of the Onitsha Archdiocese, from which it was carved out, and appealed for ongoing support whenever needed.
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