Group fault calls for cancellation of Kogi governorship election

A group, Coalition of INEC-Accredited Civil Society Group Observers, has faulted calls for cancellation of the just concluded Kogi governorship election on ground of violence and other irregularities.

Convener of the group, Matthew Olaniyan at a press conference in Lokoja Wednesday said such calls were misplaced as the election was “largely peaceful” and smooth in its conduct.

“We must admit that, just like any other situation or in different climes, the complexity of the human society remains unquestionable and the vices arising from it subsists.

“There is no perfect situation. In some very few areas, there were pockets of the usual election issues, but most other places were undeniably peaceful and smooth”, he said.

He said the election in Kogi was a “huge success having been very keenly contested and also produced results that reflect the people’s wish”.

The convener advised all stakeholders and gubernatorial candidates who contested in the just concluded election to eschew political rivalry and join hands with the winner to move the state forward.

While urging the winner to manifest magnanimity in victory and must be broadminded to foster unity and progress, Olaniyan commended the security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their efforts in making the election a success.

In the vein, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, another accredited observers groups for the November 16th Gubernatorial and Kogi West Senatorial re-run election, rated the performance and process of the election high, saying the election materials deployments, commencement time, performance of electoral gadgets and coalition of results happened as required by law and all known conventions were strictly obeyed.

The group made the declaration during the presentation of its preliminary report on the conduct of the election on Wednesday.

Speaking on behalf of the group,  Kalu Orji and Mr Olaniyan Mathew of Youth Education for Electoral Development, said that the group is satisfied with the process, they both listed measures adopted to arrive at the report.

Mr Olaniyan said  that Nigerians must begin to separate personal interest and speak the truth rather than politicizing every action during election.

Mr Orji Kalu on his part said there was no any form of violence in the whole of Kogi Central , adding that more than 80  per cent of Kogi West and same for Kogi East, noting that  skirmishes were noticed during coalition in Lokoja, Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu and a few other places.

According to him “These cases in all honesty are not substantial enough to cancel the entire state. I have listened to the argument of some development partners that asked for the cancellation of election and I can sufficiently said  that their argument lacks substance, does not respect any iota of our law and a hasty recommendations that have no basis in constitutional democracy.

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