By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Nigerian Forum for Democracy, an interest group which believes in the advancement of democracy has commended the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu for a peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections.

The forum gave the commendation in a statement jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Bala James; National Secretary, Mr James Olu; and Public Relations Officers, Chief Edem Moses, made available to journalists in Abuja.

The forum said it was aware of enormous challenges faced by the commission in spite of the amended Electoral Act, 2022 which was meant to aid the electoral processes, but which was tried to be arm twisted by some alleged anti-democratic elements.

“Of note is the development in Adamawa State governorship election which was marred with controversies, but which the electoral umpire insisted on doing the right thing no matter which ox is gored.

“That the INEC swiftly reacted and declared it a nullity, the announcement of Sen. Aishatu Binani winner after the rerun election on Saturday April 15 in Adamawa State is a testament of a responsible electoral umpire, which Prof. Yakubu deserves commendation,” it said.

The forum recalled that the INEC national chairman read a riot act in his pre-election briefing with all the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) after they went through orientation and handed with guidelines of how elections should be conducted across states.

“This shows the frantic effort of Yakubu’s conduct of free and fair election, irrespective of pitfalls as a result of some unforeseen circumstances,” it added.

The group said it was emphatic that INEC’s fair disposition led to emergence of a sizeable number of opposition lawmakers, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has 35 seats and Labour Party, (LP) eight in the National Assembly.

It added that the New Nigeria Political Party (NNPP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Young Progressives Congress (YPP) have one Senators-elect each, awaiting inauguration in the first week of June.

It said that the opposition political parties also did well in the lower legislative chamber as well as State Houses of assembly across States.

“With the general elections concluded with runoffs on Saturday, the forum expressed optimism that the proposed ‘Electoral Offences Commission’ would complement INEC’s effort, if passed into law.

“Hence, they were calling on the Nigerian parliament to pass the bill into law in the interest of free and fair elections.