Coalition Group Calls For Restriction In Condemnation Of INEC Chairman For 2023 Election

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON) has called for restraints on those who have been criticising and condemning the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, over the conduct of the 2023 elections.
The Coalition, which stated this during a media briefing in Abuja over the weekend, also condemned calls to remove the INEC Chairman.
The Group also noted that a specific group, United Nigerians in Diaspora (UND), had made allegations and threatened to storm the streets of Abuja, Lagos, and Kano to force the INEC chairman to resign or be removed from office.
Change for Impact; Hope Builders Restoration; Empowerment Solutions Initiative; Citizen Engagement Network; Education Access Initiative; Tinubu Nationals for Better Government; Poverty Eradication Foundation; Peace and Justice Initiative; Transparency and Accountability Network; Advocacy for Media Freedom; Inclusion Now Project; Lets Build Nigeria Initiatives; Rural Development Association; and Urban Renewal A
They stated: “It has come to our attention that the ‘United Nigerians Diaspora (UND)’ has organised a protest, making unfounded allegations against Mallam Yakubu and demanding his resignation or disgraceful removal from office.
“We strongly condemn this assault on the credibility and integrity of a man who has dedicated his life to ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria.
“As INEC’s Chairman, Mallam Mahmood Yakubu has demonstrated exceptional leadership.
“He has played an important role in driving significant electoral reforms, improving the electoral process, and increasing Nigerians’ trust in the democratic system.”
“His dedication to transparency, impartiality, and accountability in election administration is admirable, and it has helped us on our democratic journey.
The UND’s allegations against Mallam Yakubu are baseless, false, and defamatory.
“They not only undermine INEC’s efforts, but also harm the democratic principles that our country values.
“It is our responsibility as members of civil society to condemn such malicious attacks and defend our democracy.
“We urge the UND Group and other parties involved to stop disseminating false information and engage in constructive dialogue with INEC and key stakeholders.
“It is critical that concerns about the electoral process be addressed appropriately and responsibly.
“We also urge the Nigerian public and the media to be cautious and responsible when reporting on such sensitive issues.
“The dissemination of inaccurate or unverified information can have serious consequences for our democracy, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure truth and accuracy in reporting.
“To summarise, we stand in solidarity with Mallam Mahmood Yakubu and have no doubt renewed our trust in his leadership at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“We appreciate his unwavering commitment to democratic values and the progress our country has made under his leadership.”