The state election was held on November 11, 2023, alongside Bayelsa and Imo states.
The Convener, KNG, Richard Otitoleke and Director General, Ododo/Joel Campaign Organisation in Koton Karfe (Kogi State), Muhammad Shuaib, made this known at the Commission’s headquarters, Abuja.
Otitoleke insisted that the right thing for any aggrieved person who contested in an election and lost was to approach the Election Petitions Tribunal rather than incite the public against INEC.
Otitoleke stated “If anyone contests in an election and does not win, the proper thing to do as a responsible citizen is to approach the Tribunal, but not to incite the people against INEC because there are certain issues and factors that INEC does not have control over in an election.
“And we want to appreciate INEC for the synergy and collaboration with security agencies that brought about one of the most peaceful elections in Kogi State.
“In the past, we have witnessed worst elections, but this November 11 2023 election was one of the most peaceful elections in Kogi State.”
In his words, Shuaib declared “For the election to hold in Kogi, INEC did well.
“We are here to give solidarity.”
The Commission’s team, comprising two National Commissioners, Major General Abubakar Alkali (retd.), Mohammed Haruna, and Secretary to the Commission, Mrs Rose Orianran-Anthony received the visitors.
Responding, Alkali commended the youths for conducting themselves with decorum. He assured them that the Commission would never waver in its determination to always do the right thing.
He noted “We want to commend you for coming peacefully to ventilate whatever is on your mind. That is democracy. INEC is not a political party. INEC has no particular candidate for any election. INEC is for Nigerians. The vision of INEC is to be one of the best election management bodies in the world and to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.
“We operate based on the Constitution. We have our rules and regulations, and we don’t operate outside that. INEC will never waver in its responsibility to do the right thing at all times. Nigeria belongs to all of us.”
