Benue Youths Protest Against Alleged Pressure On INEC To Influence Supplementary Poll

Some youths in Benue have held a protest march over what they alleged pressure on INEC to influence the forthcoming supplementary election in the state.

The youths who marched to the INEC’s main office in the state alleged that a team of neighbouring APC governors, cabinet ministers, and leaders, were set to influence the poll in favour of the APC and thwart the victory of incumbent governor Samuel Ortom.

The protesters argued that, with the lead margin from the first round of the ballot, the canceled votes from places where elections previously held but were disrupted by thugs, should not have been added to figures from places where elections did not take place at all.

Fanen Dzegeor, leader of the Benue Youth Council said, “INEC must uphold its independence”.

Dzegeor noted that the commission must shun all forms of political interference in the course of carrying out its duties.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nentawe Yilwatda, the Benue State resident electoral commissioner, insisted that the supplementary election scheduled for Saturday 23rd March 2019, will go on as scheduled.

Mr. Nentawe warned that no group can dictate for the commission on what to do in the state.