The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman has been urgently urged to step in following yesterday’s governorship election by the Bayelsa Civil Society Forum, a collective voice representing a number of civil society organizations in the state. Unsettling rumors of purported anomalies and the submission of forged results from certain polling locations in the local government areas of Nembe, Brass, and Southern Ijaw have surfaced.
The Bayelsa Civil Society Forum, in a statement issued in Yenagoa and signed by Comrade Mike Koripamo condemns in the strongest terms any attempt to compromise the integrity of the electoral process. It said the sanctity of democratic institutions must be upheld, and the will of the people should not be subverted by fraudulent activities.
The group implored INEC to launch an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the reported irregularities in the affected polling units, as it stands to discredit the outcome of the process.
“We earnestly request that INEC consider the cancellation of results from polling units where credible evidence indicates the submission of fake results. This action is crucial to maintaining the credibility and fairness of the election.”
“We call for transparency and accountability in the investigative process, as we believe that upholding the principles of democracy requires swift and decisive action in response to any threats to the integrity of the electoral process. We trust that INEC will act in the best interest of the people of Bayelsa and safeguard the credibility of the recently conducted governorship election.”
