TheCable

Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue state, says the federal government must be fair and sincere in the conduct of the 2023 general election.

Speaking when he visited the headquarters of the International Republican Institute (IRI), Washington, US, on Wednesday, Ortom alleged that there are indications that the federal government is interfering in the affairs of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The governor said the opposition parties are concerned that the ruling party could come up with excuses to remain in power longer.

“The fact that the umpire appears to shift the goalpost to accommodate the sloppiness of the ruling party in observing its ostensible firm timetable deadlines calls for concern,” Nathaniel Ikyur, chief press secretary to the governor, quoted his principal as saying.

The governor described the same religion ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as “desperation and insensitivity”.

“It has become clear that the Buhari government is not working in the interest of Nigeria and her citizens and thereby setting the stage for chaos in 2023, which will have global consequences,” he said.

On his part, Gregory Kearns, IRI director, Africa division, said it is important for Ortom as a critical stakeholder to amplify his advocacy for credible polls.