Civil Society Organisations, Adopt a Goal Initiative (AGI) and Center For Liberty (CFL), have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to review the outcome of the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency of Cross Rivers State bye-election in line with the provision of Section 65 (1) of the new Electoral Act.
The group said this was a result of widespread rigging and irregularities that characterised the conduct of the election.
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A letter jointly signed by the Executive Director, Ariyo Raphael Dare: and endorsed by Center For Liberty on Thursday in Abuja
addressed to INEC Chairman, said the electoral body must show that it has reclaimed the power to give truth and fairness a second chance.
They said the commission has the responsibility to carry out an independent investigation into all electoral malpractices and rigging recorded during the exercise and use it as a litmus test in exercising its power as enshrined in the new electoral Act.
The group called on INEC to use the opportunity to send a clear warning to those desperate politicians who are hell-bent to undermine the democratic process.
The statement read “Mr Chairman, it is troubling that less than 30 hours after the Electoral Bill was signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari, we have seen some shameful, irresponsible and reckless conducts that threaten the legal regime, in the recently conducted by-elections in some areas across the country.
“We have taken the time to carefully evaluate the outcomes of the by-elections across the country.
“We have seen a desperate attempt to test the resolve of the new Act and undermine the good work of the commission.
“Consequently, we wish to urge your commission to urgently investigate the electoral perfidy that took place in Cross Rivers State and immediately review the outcome of the Ogoja/YalaFederal Constituency by-election, which was heavily compromised and rigged by unconscionable politicians.”
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