2023 : NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA EXPRESS CONCERNS OVER ATTACKS ON INEC OFFICE

PUSH NEWS 24 INTERNATIONAL: February 1st, 2023

2023 : NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA EXPRESS CONCERNS OVER ATTACKS ON INEC OFFICE.

US based socio-political activist and social critic, Hon Oladele Olatubosun who is also the Treasurer, National Coalition of Tinubu Support Group (NCTSG), Diaspora-USA, have expressed concerns over the recent attacks on the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in the country, Nigeria.

The Texas based grassroot politician whose political antecedent stems from Nigeria up to the United States expressed the worry while speaking at his 60th birthday party celebration organised by some of his friends and well-wishers.

According to Olatubosun, this portends grave danger to the 2023 elections.

He also condemned the multiple attacks on INEC offices and violent and verbal rivalry among political parties in the country.

Recall that INEC offices in Imo, Ebonyi, Ogun and Osun states were attacked by unknown persons.

According to INEC, about 41 attacks had been carried out against its offices in 14 states between February 2019 and November 2022.

Speaking at his birthday, Pa Oladele said the survival of democracy in Nigeria is critical to Africa and the world at large. Saying fears over the forthcoming election have heightened in Nigeria over the past few years even as he called on all stakeholders, particularly politicians and over-zealous social media commenters to commit to peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections.

Olatubosun said, “As we approach the polls come February this year, attacks on INEC facilities and personnel, violent clashes between opposing members of political parties or broader security challenges are all factors that threaten the peaceful and inclusive and successful execution of the elections.

“The largest democracy in Africa occupies a critical place in efforts to consolidate democracy elsewhere across the world. Credible, useful elections will deepen citizens’ trust and reinforce the foundations for democratic consolidation in Nigeria.”

According to the statesman, a peaceful environment enables people to cast their votes on election day, without fear of harm, intimidation, or coercion.

He pledged the support of himself and his group towards any initiative towards ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections and in sustaining her democracy through peaceful conducts.

He tasked political parties and their candidates to play by the rules for in his words, “the credibility of any government is determined by the credibility of the process that brings it to power.”

The Treasurer of the National Coalition of Tinubu Support Group (NCTSG Diaspora-USA) further called on the United States, United Kingdom and the rest of the international community to match words with action in their commitment to also support credible elections in Nigeria.