Eyes of Lagos gathered that a group, the Yoruba Revolutionary Assembly, YORA, has described as
uncharitable and politics taken too far, the call by the National
Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, for
the sack of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral
Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
The group said it viewed Secondus’ call, where he demanded for the
INEC boss’ resignation in order to guarantee a credible 2019 poll, as
too ridiculous to be heard, from any serious political party, when
elections are less than 80 days away.
Speaking through its Secretary-General, Comrade Joseph Olarinde, YORA
said the PDP should desist from the politicisation of serious issues
such as the credibility of an election, alleging that credible election
is an alien practice in the PDP.
The group wondered why the PDP is so persistent about getting the
INEC Chairman removed, even at a time when several other political
parties, local and International organisations continue to repose their
confidence on him, towards giving the country a free, fair and credible
elections, and while other critical stakeholders are working with the
commission towards ensuring a successful 2019 election.
YORA further said it sees the call by the PDP “as a serious attempt
at demoralizing the INEC and its leadership, who are currently working
around the clock, despite the very limited available resources, to
ensure that it gives Nigerians the desired credible elections come
2019.”
“We are really dismayed, over the inability of the PDP, to
acknowledge the efforts and landmark achievements, that have been made
by the INEC under the leadership of Professor Yakubu Mahmood, since
assuming office as the head of the commission.
“As patriotic Nigerians, we have observed the series of a well-funded
and politically orchestrated falsehood and the campaign of calumny
against INEC and it’s leadership from some politicians and ethnic
champions. While it is an open secret that some unpatriotic politicians
are hell-bent on discrediting the efforts of the Commission, we urge
Nigerians to remain steadfast in their support and be rest assured, that
coke 2019, INEC will deliver on its promises of a free, fair and
credible elections,” the statement read.
The group urged President Buhari to ignore the call to remove
Mahmood, and urged Nigerians to keep supporting INEC as the nation
marches towards the 2019 general elections.