Ashiru Urges INEC, Security Agencies to Ensure Credible Kaduna Bye-Elections

By; ISAAC ODEH, Kaduna

Kaduna State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2019 and 2023 elections, Rt. Honourable Isa Mohammed Ashiru, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and law enforcement agencies to guarantee free and fair conduct of the August 16 bye-elections in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Zaria Kewaye State Constituency, and Basawa State Constituency.

Ashiru in a statement issued on Friday, said all stakeholders must ensure the credibility of the exercise is not compromised.

“The responsibility for the conduct of free and fair elections in the three constituencies should be patriotically discharged by all the relevant organs,” he stated.

He stressed that electoral officials and security agencies must create conditions that allow eligible voters to exercise their rights without intimidation.

“They should take practical steps to allay the existing fears that the outcome of the elections may have been predetermined,” Ashiru said.

He expressed concern over allegations of planned rigging in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The growing allegations that plans to rig the elections in favour of the ruling APC have already been perfected can be effectively disproved only if Electoral Officers and Law Enforcement Agents demonstrate absolute impartiality in the course of discharging their duties before, during and after the exercise,” he warned.

Ashiru insisted that only a transparent process can produce leaders accepted by the people.

“It is totally important for the electoral umpire and the law enforcers/security officers to realize the fact that the irreducible minimum for all Nigerians now is the conduct of transparent elections, which is the only guarantee for the emergence of credible leadership at all levels,” he said.

He cautioned that any attempt to manipulate the process could lead to unrest.

“Any deliberate violation of the law in an attempt to manipulate the process and results of the elections will therefore be a cause of chaos,” he warned.

Ashiru also advised voters to remain vigilant and ensure their ballots count.

“They should do everything within the provisions of the law to ensure that their votes really count,” he said.