Group to INEC: Do not Dash our Hopes

A group, Middle Belt Movement for Justice and Peace, MBMJP, has said if the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, fails to deliver an election adjudged to be free, fair and credible in the Anambra state, gubernatorial elections. The road to the 2023 general elections is very rough.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Convener of MBMJP, Comrade Joe Bukka, Monday in Makurdi. The group advised that Inc should clear all doubts about its capability by delivering a free, fair and credible governorship election in Anambra state.

He stressed that Nigerians would believe that their votes would count in the coming general elections if that is done.

The leader added that the Anambra election would serve as a litmus test for the commission ahead and appealed that INEC should not dash the hopes of Nigerians.

According to him, “The Anambra election is a litmus test for INEC because if the commission fails to deliver an election that is adjudged to be free, fair and credible, then the road to 2023 will be very rough.
“If Nigerians lose confidence in the commission, that alone will cast shadows on whatever they think they are doing to guarantee free and fair election in 2023.

“Our plea is that INEC must not dash our hopes, the journey to 2013 has started with Anambra, and if for any reason majority of Nigerians get disenchanted with the conduct of that election, we may have problems with our electoral system.

“So as the commission conducts the supplementary election to conclude the Anambra election on Tuesday, they must know that Nigerians and indeed the entire world is watching; if that process is skewed, it may mark the beginning of public distrust for the commission before the 2023 general election and the implication will not be anything to be proud of
“So far the commission to a large extent has done well and it must be carried to the end of the process to reassure Nigerians that our electoral system can be trusted.”