The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, the leading Igbo socio-cultural organization, has announced its opposition to an upcoming protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The South Unity Youth Coalition has planned a demonstration on June 12, Democracy Day, calling for the removal of INEC Chairman Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, citing a loss of confidence in his leadership due to perceived failures in the electoral process.
In response, the National President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, released a statement urging political leaders, including Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, to accept the election results and Supreme Court’s verdict and work together to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Okwu expressed disappointment that some politicians continue to dispute the 2023 election results over a year later, rather than contributing to national progress. He emphasized that no election is flawless and highlighted that the courts upheld most election outcomes, attributing any annulments to candidate qualifications rather than INEC’s performance.
Okwu cautioned against participating in the proposed protest, labeling it a “selfish agenda” that would only create further division. Instead, he voiced support for President Tinubu’s government and INEC, advocating for electoral reforms through legislative means. He concluded by reiterating that Igbo youths would not partake in any demonstrations aimed at destabilizing the country.
