Igbo youth declare zero tolerance for electoral fraud in South-East

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

The Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has declared zero tolerance for electoral fraud, vote-buying, and political intimidation in the South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a press release signed by its President General, Goodluck Ibem, and Publicity Secretary, Okey Nwaoru, the group warned that it would defend the integrity of elections in the zone through every lawful and democratic means at its disposal.

“Anyone contemplating electoral manipulation in the South East should have a rethink. The era of imposing electoral outcomes against the will of the people must end,” the coalition stated.

The apex socio-political youth group in the zone stated that the South-East would not tolerate any attempt to undermine, manipulate, or subvert the democratic will of its people, warning that the region is not a political laboratory for electoral fraud.

It declared that any attempt to rig elections, manipulate results, intimidate voters, or compromise the process would be firmly resisted through civic action, democratic mobilisation, and public accountability.

“We vehemently reject vote-buying, ballot manipulation, political intimidation, voter suppression, electoral violence, and every other practice capable of undermining the credibility of our democratic institutions,” COSEYL declared.

The group called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to demonstrate neutrality, professionalism, transparency, and institutional independence. It urged the commission to ensure that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic result-management processes are properly tested and fully operational before election day.

It also demanded that INEC allow eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) without bureaucratic bottlenecks and maintain strict neutrality toward all political parties, stressing that its loyalty must be to the Constitution and the Nigerian people.

COSEYL further called for adequate security to protect voters, electoral officials, and observers. It also urged youth, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and civil society organisations in the South-East to remain vigilant.

“The South East is not for sale. Our votes are not commodities; our democracy is not negotiable,” the statement added.