Nigerian youth with a strong commitment to the upcoming general election in the country are petitioning for the removal of Lagos State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Olusegun Agbaje.
A Change.org petition initiated by Tobi Akinbo is calling for the removal of Olusegun Agbaje from his position as the Lagos State Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, citing incompetence as the reason.
“Fellow Nigerians, it is with deep sense of Patriotism and responsibility that we call on you to sign this petition for the removal and replacement of the Lagos State INEC Commissioner for incompetence,” reads the petition. “For us to achieve a free, fair and credible election in Lagos State, Mr Olusegun Agbaje, the INEC commissioner must be replaced with someone else who is Unbiased and non-partisan.”
What is the reason?
During a live video interview with Suen Okinbaloye on Channels TV on Thursday, February 2nd, 2023, Mr. Olusegun Agbaje was asked about the lack of distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in areas such as Okota, Surulere, Festac, Oshodi Isolo, which are predominantly inhabited by Nigerians of Igbo descent. In his defense, Mr. Agbaje stated that “South Easterners transfer their voter cards to vote in Lagos State”. This statement raises questions about the rights of Nigerians to transfer their voting cards to any state for voting purposes. The apparent hoarding of available PVCs in these areas perceived to be predominantly Igbo raises concerns about possible disenfranchisement of Nigerian voters.
In response to the interview, Nigerian voters have expressed concern over the perceived incompetence, bias, and partisanship displayed by Olusegun Agbaje, the Lagos State INEC Commissioner. These voters believe that these qualities render him unfit to continue serving in this important role.
Tobi Akinbo has expressed concern that if Olusegun Agbaje remains in his role as the INEC REC for Lagos State, it may jeopardize the potential for a free, fair, and credible election in 2023. He advocates for prompt action to replace Agbaje in order to safeguard the integrity of the election process.
The petition was initiated today and has already garnered close to 7,000 signatures.
To access the petition, kindly click on the provided link below.
