The CUPP claimed that since it was the leading opposition party in the nation, it was appropriate to commend the umpire when it was deserving, just as the Coalition had criticized it in the past for mistakes.
According to reports from several observation groups and non-governmental organizations affiliated with the CUPP and other parties in all three states, Kogi State appears to have had the finest election results and behavior.
"In general, it seems that Kogi State had the best election in terms of both conduct and result," the group stated.
The final result in Kogi State and YiAGA Africa's pre-election estimates both substantially agree with INEC pronouncements, they stated in their reports.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the Coalition leaders discussed the evaluation of the off-season elections in the states of Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo under the heading "INEC, Nigerian elections, and the rest of us."
They also praised security agencies for their quick actions in apprehending people who appeared to be security risks during the three states' elections and for not caving in to pressure from certain political figures who sought to prevent them from carrying out their constitutionally mandated duties of securing the elections even ahead of time.
A great improvement was observed in the early arrival of INEC officials and election materials at Polling Units, according to reports from various observer groups and CUPP members on the ground, particularly party agents, said Barrister Emeka Igwe, Member, CUPP Steering Committee, who presented the communique on behalf of others present at the press briefing. “Except in few places due to security and logistic factors,” Igwe said.
"After all is said and done, field reports indicate that INEC has improved better in its affairs with conducting elections," stated a portion of the communiqué. The other candidates in Nigeria's elections ought to take notice of the rules and start playing by them. It is highly admirable that INEC has reportedly responded to complaints and other crises promptly.
"Of the three states, Kogi and Bayelsa appeared to have the most votes cast in the results that were later made public by INEC, while Imo State has been the subject of serious concerns and accusations regarding voter intimidation, excessive voting, vote buying, and security lapses.
"In general, it seems like Kogi State had the finest election in terms of both conduct and results. In their reports, YIAGA Africa also attested to the fact that both their pre-election predictions and the final Kogi State result closely match INEC's statements. (Please find the YIAGA Africa report attached.)
"We urge all pertinent authorities to look into all claims in order to take the necessary steps to restore public trust in our elections," the CUPP continued.
"This sad phenomenon in our elections is one challenge that must be deliberately eliminated by constitutional means," the statement on vote-buying said. Through its persistent election awareness and education programs, INEC has long highlighted the detrimental impacts of vote buying; yet, politicians have discovered a way to circumvent this legislation by financially jeopardizing voters.
"Strict criminalization and enforcement of the matter are necessary to deter and end this bad behavior."
The Coalition, however, maintained that everyone bears responsibility for a free, fair, and credible election, not just INEC, and urged INEC to keep making improvements when they are shown to be deficient.