The Imo Progressive Leaders Forum has urged the Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA) to withdraw from its observer role in the November 11 Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo election over alleged partisanship.

The group’s coordinator, Simon Diogu, said this while addressing journalists in Owerri on Thursday.

Mr Diogu alleged that YIAGA had an affiliation with the Labour Party, which might result in a conflict of interest during the poll, saying that it would be in the best interest of fairness and justice for the group to withdraw from its observer role.

He said the call was due to a sincere desire to ensure a free, fair, transparent and unhindered governorship election in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa.

“The allegations border essentially on membership and sponsorship of YIAGA by the deputy governorship candidate of the LP in Imo,” Mr Diogu explained. “YIAGA’s withdrawal will send a clear message that those who oversee our elections in one way or another must be above board and must streamline their entire activities in strict compliance with the extant laws of our country.”

Mr Diogu added, “We make this call as patriotic Nigerians who are indeed very desirous of having an election that will not only be free but also must be seen to be so by all the political parties involved.”

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the accreditation of YIAGA as an election observer if it failed to excuse itself from the poll.

Mr Diogu said this would help to restore the faith of the electorate in the country’s electoral system.

(NAN)