The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, urged the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, to become “an activist” if he is to oversee a free and fair election. Speaking at an INEC‑organized meeting with political parties in Abuja, Sowore called on the commission’s head to be transparent about the state of the upcoming polls. He highlighted the challenges posed by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s naira redesign policy, noting that cash scarcity could disrupt the electoral process.
“This is the time to be an activist yourself,” Sowore told Yakubu. He recalled his previous proposal that, before allowing the CBN to handle sensitive materials, INEC should meet with the CBN board. “It was as if I was seeing into the future, but some people did not agree with me,” he said.
Sowore emphasized that many Nigerians lack the funds to travel to vote. He shared his own experience, explaining that INEC rules require him to vote in Ondo State rather than Abuja. “There is a monetary crisis in this country, and no matter what they do to assure protection, they have no power to protect you,” he asserted. He warned that long queues at banks and the shortage of petrol or gasoline for transporting materials should concern the INEC chairman.
“The whole country is looking up to INEC, and Yakubu will be blamed if the election fails,” Sowore said. “Wear the garment of your conscience. If you feel you cannot hold the election, cry out now. You have a historical duty to make this election work; if you think you are being sabotaged, speak up.”
Meanwhile, INEC has dismissed rumors that it might postpone the elections. The commission used its social media platforms on Monday to refute a publication claiming a one‑ or two‑week delay. “The Commission will not and is not contemplating postponing the 2023 general election. Nigerians should disregard it,” INEC stated, confirming that the 2023 elections will proceed as scheduled.
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