Ohanaeze, Arewa Youths Endorse INEC Chairman’s Reappointment

Ohanaeze and Arewa youths have endorsed the reappointment of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for another term of five years.

The groups under the aegis of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Youth Movement and Arewa Youth Consultative Movement, urged him to ensure that speedy reform and E-voting are achieved before 2023.

They also urged the upper chamber of the National Assembly to reconvene for speedy clearance of his reappointment.

The Ohanaeze youths, in a statement by its President General, Ochiagha Uchenna Nnadi, said that Edo and Ondo states elections show that the commission is reforming, urging him to lay foundation for credible elections in 2023.

The apex youth group of the Igbo Socio-cultural organization, while lauding his reappointment, noted that his reappointment was based on the assessment that he acquitted himself creditably.

“The performance of the Commission in the most recent governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states clearly show that the Commission is reforming our electoral processes and that votes in Nigeria have now started counting and the voice of voters clearly restored.

“We note that in the outstanding Parliamentary elections, Nigerians expect to see a steady progress in improvement. We shall not accept a lowering of the bar. We therefore urge the Chairman to begin in earnest to lay foundations for very credible, free and fair 2023 general elections. There is time on his side, there is experience there is mass support across board on his side, hence there cannot be any excuses.

“We heartily congratulate Prof. Mahmud Yakubu and urge him not to rest on his oars,” the group said.

“The Northern youth group, therefore, called for both local and international support from partners, donors and other stakeholders to reform “our entire electoral process. There cannot be a better time for this support as we have implicit confidence in the integrity and ability of Prof. Mahmud Yakubu to deliver on the job.”