Hundreds of protesters affiliated with The Natives gathered on Monday in front of the National Headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, warning politicians against inflaming the country with incendiary statements and calls for an interim government. The demonstration, which featured chanting solidarity songs and a variety of banners, caused a mild gridlock but remained peaceful.
Addressing the media in the presence of INEC officials after the peace walk, Smart Edwards, coordinator of The Natives, urged the commission to resist intimidation and blackmail from what he described as “bad losers.” He cautioned Labour Party vice‑presidential candidate Yusuf Datti‑Ahmed against making inflammatory remarks that could further divide the nation. Edwards emphasized that the elections had been conducted fairly, with the APC, PDP, NNPP, LP and other parties participating fully. He condemned those who were traveling across the country inciting unrest and calling for an interim national government, calling such a move “taboo” and impossible in Nigeria or any African country.
Edwards also rejected claims that foreign powers such as the United States and the United Kingdom were supporting insurrection in Nigeria, noting that those nations were themselves dealing with internal unrest. He affirmed that citizens have the right to protest, but they do not have the right to provoke voters or demand an interim government while INEC remains functional. He reiterated that Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima’s tickets received the highest votes, with the results announced at the National Collation Centre—over eight million votes counted and victories in 29 states.
The coordinator went on to say that the contest for National Assembly leadership had already begun, with major parties, including the LP and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, formulating strategies. “Our message is clear: this is one indivisible country, and it benefits no one for it to be set ablaze,” Edwards declared. He praised Tinubu’s call for healing, noting that The Natives, many of whom voted for him, had responded by waving white handkerchiefs as a symbol of reconciliation. Tinubu is preparing for the May 29 hand‑over ceremony, and Edwards expressed confidence that all Nigerians could work together to improve the country.
A delegation from INEC, led by Director of Security Lebari Sam Nduh, received the protesters and a letter addressed to the INEC chairman. Nduh thanked the demonstrators for conducting a responsible and civil protest, acknowledging their patriotism. He assured them that their message would be delivered directly to the chairman and that INEC would continue to fulfill its constitutional duties without bias or favour. “We will do our utmost to uphold the law and make Nigeria greater,” he concluded.
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