ABUJA — Despite the security challenges in the country, the 2023 general election will hold as planned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has said.
Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, disclosed this on Thursday at a public presentation of the 2022-2026 strategic plan and the 2023 election project plan in Abuja.
According to him, the 2023 polls will be governed by the new electoral act, which he says contains provisions that will enhance the capacity and ability of the commission to better manage the electoral process.
“We have carefully listened to the demand of Nigerians for seamless processes, particularly with regard to enhanced voter education, better distribution of voters to polling units, quality training of election personnel, the functionality of electronic devices, improved logistics, prompt commencement of polls, availability of assistive devices for persons with disability at polling units and greater transparency in result management,” he said.
“We are also aware of the security challenges and their impact on the electoral process. We will continue to engage early and intensely with the security agencies to ensure the safety of our personnel and materials, accredited observers and the media and, above all, the voters.
“Clearly, these are challenging times but we are determined that election must hold in 2023.
“However, this is a shared responsibility. INEC plays a critical role but the commission alone cannot deliver the elections we all desire.
“I, therefore, appeal to all Nigerians to join hands with us in ensuring that we make a success of the process.
“On this note, I would like to thank all stakeholders for honouring our invitation.
“The commission also appreciates our development partners, especially the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES), for consistently supporting the commission’s efforts to deepen electoral integrity and consolidate our democracy.”
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