Attacks on INEC threat to 2023 elections – LVAYI

Following last week’s attack on offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Osun and Ogun states, a group under the auspices of Lead Vision Achievers Youth Initiative (LVAYI) on Sunday expressed fear that the sad development is a threat to the 2023 general elections.

National President of LVAYI, Mr. Victor Onuche, said all hands should be on deck to tackle the menace.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, Onuche cautioned the security agencies, INEC, politicians and the electorates to discharge their duties with the interest and progress of the nation at heart.

While cautioning INEC not to take sides with any political party or politician, he charged the commission to ensure that the conduct of the polls is free, fair and credible.

The LVAYI president said INEC Chairman, Prof. Mammud Yakubu, should know that: “the future of Nigeria and Nigerians is in his hands and as such he should guide it wholeheartedly and ensure that all parties are given a level playing field during and after the elections.

“On the side of the Security Agencies, I advised that the peaceful conduct of the General election will determine the unity and coexistence of Nigerians. I emphatically cautioned all Security Agencies and Personnel to avoid human rights violations during and after the elections. And that the life and unity of Nigerians is far more important than anyone’s political ambition.

“Let me remind the politicians that it is only one person that can win an election. And that it is not a do or die affair. I therefore urged all Politicians to be guided by the fact that power belongs to God. They should be mindful of their utterances, actions and inactions so as not to undermine the peace and unity of the nation.

“I passionately appealed to the electorates not to allow any Politician or Party to use them for thuggery or to perpetuate electoral violence. I advised all those who registered or transferred their PVC to go to their Ward Centers for collection.”