Nigerians in Diaspora Plan Massive Protests, Demand Resignation of INEC Chairman and Senate President
The United Nigerians in the Diaspora (UND) has announced plans to conduct large-scale street protests at Nigerian embassies in Washington DC, several other US cities, London, and major cities across Europe and Asia. The group is demanding the immediate resignation of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
According to a statement released in Abuja and signed by its president worldwide, Amb. Yusuf Adeyinka, and general secretary worldwide, Johnson Acheme, the UND is seeking the cooperation of the International Community during the protest periods. The group also urges foreign nations known for practicing ideal democracy to prevent the entry of the INEC National Chairman, Senate President Akpabio, and top members of the Nigerian Judiciary who were involved in deciding the 2023 elections petitions tribunal matters.
The UND accuses the INEC chairman of overseeing a “shambolic 2023 general elections” and calls for his resignation. They also demand the resignation of Senate President Akpabio over allegations of budget padding. The group commended Senator Ningi for exposing budget padding in the National Assembly.
In their statement, the UND expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the 2023 elections, citing the failure of promised technological innovations like the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines to ensure transparency. They criticized the N300 billion expenditure on the elections, calling it the most expensive and incredible in recent history.
The group also accused the INEC chairman of being strategically positioned by the Tinubu administration to potentially manipulate future elections. They gave Senate President Akpabio 48 hours to resign or face impeachment, alleging his incapacity, corruption, and collusion with the Executive arm of government.
The UND plans to commence peaceful protests in major cities and embassies in Washington DC, New York, London, Paris, and other cities where their members reside. They insist on the immediate resignation of the INEC National Chairman, Mahmoud Yakubu, and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and urge the international community to prevent them from receiving any international honours or recognition.
The group’s decision to protest highlights the growing discontent among Nigerians in the diaspora over the conduct of the 2023 elections and the perceived corruption within the government. It also underscores the importance of international pressure in holding Nigerian officials accountable for their actions.
Daily Nigerian
