New Polling Units Confer Undeserved Advantage On States In The South -ACF

by Oluwatosin Fatoyinbo

As if to counter the allegation by some southern leaders last week that the new polling units created by the Independent National Electoral Commision (INEC) favoured the North, the Arewa Consultative Forum has argued that it rather favours some state in the south.

A communiqué signed by the ACF’s Secretary-General, Col. John Ubah (retd.) read thus “We resolve to reject the recent allocation of additional polling units by INEC which deliberately conferred undeserved advantages on states in the South. The creation of additional polling units should be re-visited, using standard criteria that INEC is aware of.

“Attempts to blackmail and stampede INEC into abandoning its hallowed responsibilities to do justice to all Nigerians, or sacrifice the rights of northern voters are hereby condemned. The North expects INEC to re-allocate the polling units in strict compliance with its standard guidelines without fear or favour.

“Reject any excuse to prevent any citizen from participating in the 2015 general elections. Similarly, any attempt to secure extension of tenure under the cover of security will be resisted by people of the North.

“Like all Nigerians, northerners expect the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan to provide a secure and safe environment for the 2015 elections, and avoid any attempt to jeopardise the democratic process in Nigeria.”