A northern group, the Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks has berated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for performing below expectation in the February 25th presidential and National Assembly elections.
Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya, the chairman of the Conference, while briefing journalists in Kano, charged the electoral umpire to brace up to the challenges and perform better during next Saturday’s governorship and state Assembly elections in Nigeria.
The chairman of the conference noted that most Nigerians were not satisfied after the conduct of February 25 elections by INEC.
He said, “The presidential and National Assembly elections conducted on the 25th February by INEC have fallen short of the standard of all elections practices and ethics.”
He pointed out that INEC has raised so much credibility question on its name and created doubt in the minds of Nigerians regarding INEC preparedness to conduct free, fair, credible and acceptable elections in Nigeria.”
He, however, expressed happiness that, “timely distribution of electoral materials especially to Local Government Areas (LGAs) offices were really commendable. “Quick responses to Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) issues on the day of election were also impressive. The Election was on a general assessment peaceful,” Waiya said.
He added, “The Nigerian security agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Police Force had performed wonderfully well in ensuring peaceful polls during presidential and National Assembly elections, and that they would continue with the work in the next elections.”
He lamented that it was unfortunate that, “the elections were highly polarized along religion and ethnicity.”
The Conference maintained that the compliance with the provisions of Electoral Act 2022 must be observed to ensure electoral credibility in Nigeria
“Electoral offenders of any kind must be punished under the laws of the country to discourage others from perpetrating electoral offences again in Nigeria,” he said.
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