Supplementary Election: Imo Diaspora Group Warns INEC, Security Agencies Not To Compromise April 15 Election

The Imo State Congress of America (ISCA) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to weed itself of unpatriotic elements and redeem itself by ensuring that Saturday, April 15, 2023 supplementary election is free, fair and credible.

The apex Imo State Diaspora body made the call through its President-General, Engr. Sampson Udeh who spoke to this reporter on phone.

While decrying the reported electoral malfeasance that marred last State constituency legislative elections across the state, Udeh urged the staff of the electoral umpire to redeem itself and ensure that people’s votes count.

He expressed worries over how hardened and unrepentant the INEC officers have become to the extent that every sensitisation and Clarion calls for patriotic commitment and approach to national assignments have fallen on deaf ears.

He, therefore, called on the security agents, staff and ad-hoc staff of INEC to act responsibly to redeem their image.

His statement: “The leadership and members of Imo State Congress of America (ISCA), wishes to encourage the people of Imo State and particularly the people of Mbaitoli – Ikeduru federal constituency to come of in mass and vote for who will represent them at the lower House of the National Assembly.

“We are pained by the reports of allegation of electoral fraud and violence that marred the last State Assembly Elections across the state.

“We also read how agents of INEC and the security agents allegedly compromised in the state. This is a very detestable report. Nigeria at the moment is battling with a global negative image.

“We, therefore, urge INEC to redeem its image by doing the right thing in Imo State. The police and other security agencies must not compromise.

“Today, Professor Nnenna Oti has become a heroine. She acted patriotically during Abia gubernatorial election and became famous.

We urge other INEC staff to learn from her and do what is righ.

“We wish to also call on the electorate not to sit on the fence. They must go out, vote, take photos and defend their votes.

“We in Diaspora shall also collaborate with relevant foreign agencies to ensure that electoral deviants must be sanctioned in one way or the other.”