Security agencies prevented chaos at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, after anti-INEC and pro-INEC protestors nearly clashed.
Conflicting interests arose as a result of the electoral umpire’s delisting of the African Democratic Congress’ David Mark-led National Working Committee, NWC.
The two interest groups had intended to march to the INEC headquarters, which would have increased tensions in the region, but only one group showed up due to reports that security personnel had been posted to prevent demonstrators from accessing the road to the INEC office.
However, at around 11 a.m., a protest erupted when some youths supporting INEC’s decision attacked the area.
They urged anyone who believe INEC’s judgement does not favour them to go to court rather than picketing the INEC office and causing disorder.
Adeyeye Olugbenga, speaking to the press during the demonstration on behalf of Concerned Nigerian Youth, stated that they were opposed to the malicious attempt by some individuals to takeover INEC.
“We see that INEC, as a law-abiding body, in accordance with the court’s order, de-recognized the leadership of a party known as ADC, and as a result, in the event of a reservation, they are obligated to approach the court.
“They are starting to make all kinds of insulting and meaningless attacks on the authority that oversees our elections, INEC. We are conscious Nigerian youths that understand the value of democracy.
“I’d like to take this occasion to encourage INEC’s leadership to continue with the upgrading.
“As Nigerian youth, we are conscious and vigilant that at any time that these enemies of Nigeria, who do not love peace, who are not aware of the volatility of Nigerian security currently, want to come and distract INEC, either by picketing INEC office or by causing mayhem, consequent upon the compliance of the court ruling by the leadership of INEC, which is supposed to be applauded, we will continue to come out in our 1000s and hundreds to match.