The Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), all security agencies and other stakeholders, to ensure that the forthcoming elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states will be an opportunity to correct all misgivings observed in the 2019 general elections.
A statement signed in Abuja yesterday by its National President Ebere Ifendu, also charged the stakeholders to ensure that the fundamental tenets of democracy which is to achieve credibility and equity during elections is upheld.
The statement implored the INEC to ensure that all electoral materials are delivered to appropriate polling units in good time, and see that it is “one man, one vote, one woman, one vote.
“INEC resident commissioners in these states and all INEC officials, operate above board, not compromising as was reported in some states in the previous elections.
“The security agencies should not be used as agents to compromise and undermine the electoral process.
Voters, polling agents and observers should also be given unhindered access to polling units,” the statement urged.
The statement further condemned the physical attack on Natasha Akpoti a female gubernatorial aspirant in Kogi state, saying it is un-acceptable to Nigerian Women as this is an afront, and a violation of her fundamental rights.
“We strongly demand that the case be investigated, and the perpetrators be arrested and prosecuted.
“INEC, all security agencies and stakeholders in the Kogi election should ensure these anomalies are addressed to avoid an atmosphere of violence and chaos,” the statement stressed.
