The Abia State Human Rights and Pro‑democracy Group has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to act swiftly and prevent an avoidable crisis by resolving the logjam that marred Saturday’s governorship election. In a statement signed by its coordinator, Mr. Damian Ogudike, the group expressed dismay that the INEC State Returning Officer, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, and other commission officials are “being pressured” regarding the results from Obingwa LGA.
The rights group emphasized that the majority of Abia residents have loudly voiced their choices—from the presidential and National Assembly polls to last Saturday’s governorship and state assembly elections. It called on INEC to resist any pressure to accept “flawed results” from a particular local government area, thereby protecting the commission’s credibility and its agents from public condemnation.
“Tension is already building across different parts of the state among restive youths who will not allow their mandate to be stolen by any political actor or party,” the statement read. “The desperation to seize power by any means leaves much to be desired, and those who read the signs of the present times need no prophet or seer to tell them that things have changed.”
The group reaffirmed its firm stance that input legitimacy must never be compromised in the democratic process, as the method by which a public official attains office is crucial to what that official will do once in power. It warned that subverting the people’s will and resorting to the slogan “If not satisfied, go to court” will no longer be tolerated in Abia State. Citizens deserve leaders they have consented to through voting, and they must not be deprived of this guaranteed democratic right.
Finally, the group cautioned that any contrary actions pose a serious danger to society. It implored INEC and any desperate politicians to avoid setting Abia State “on fire” through their actions or inactions, urging that the final result reflect the will of the electorate who braved all odds to exercise their franchise.
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