The United Nigerians in the Diaspora (UND) has announced plans for extensive street protests in major cities across the world, including Washington DC, New York, London, and various European and Asian cities. The diaspora group is demanding the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, over alleged misconduct during the 2023 general elections. Additionally, they are calling for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio due to allegations of budget padding.
In a statement made available to The Guardian, the UND expressed dissatisfaction with what they termed “the conduct of a shambolic 2023 general elections” and cited the INEC chairman’s role in it. The group accused Yakubu and his team of orchestrating an expensive and incredible electoral process, urging his immediate resignation. They also noted the allegations of budget padding against Senate President Akpabio, demanding his resignation within 48 hours.
The diaspora group has called for the cooperation of the international community during their planned protests. They urged foreign nations practicing ideal democracy, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, to bar the entry of INEC officials, Senate President Akpabio, and members of the Nigerian Judiciary involved in deciding the 2023 elections petitions tribunal matters.
The statement criticised the INEC chairman for not fulfilling promises of a transparent election through the use of technology, including the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). They accused the INEC chairman of being strategically positioned for another fraudulent election in 2027.
The UND gave Akpabio 48 hours to resign and face immediate prosecution. Failing to do so, they called on members of the National Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against him, citing incapacity, corruption, and collusion with the executive arm of the government.
The group expressed disappointment in the Nigerian Judiciary for endorsing what they termed the “fraud and illegality” of the 2023 elections. They criticized the judiciary for losing the respect of many Nigerians who had considered it the last hope of the common man.
UND announced their intention to commence peaceful protests in major cities and embassies globally, insisting on the immediate resignation of INEC Chairman Mahmoud Yakubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. They pledged to continue protests until these resignations occur and called on international bodies to deny them any form of international recognition or participation.
The UND’s planned protests indicate growing discontent within the diaspora regarding the conduct of the 2023 elections and allegations against key figures in the Nigerian government. The group’s call for international action underscores their determination to bring attention to their concerns on a global scale.
