The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu has promised Nigerians and the international community that the commission will not disappoint them in its resolve to deliver a credible poll on February 25.
Yakubu made the promise when he received the Commonwealth Election Observation Mission to Nigeria for the 2023 general elections, led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki.
He said that the commission, working with the security agencies, political parties, and other stakeholders have made adequate preparations as the commission cannot do it alone.
Yakubu said, “We are aware of the responsibility that lies on our shoulders. But we cannot do it alone. Our work is clearly cut out with assigned responsibilities for the security agencies, the parties, and others. As a commission, we have constantly engaged with all stakeholders…
“We are committed to a free and fair process. I want to assure you that INEC is not a political party. We don’t have a candidate in the election. The choice of who becomes what during the general elections is entirely the choice of the Nigerian people. We are committed to the free, fair, credible, inclusive election and verifiable elections.
He added, “Elections in Nigeria are huge. We understand the magnitude of the responsibility placed on our shoulders and we also understand that a credible election is a pillar on which good governance rests. I want to assure you that we will never let Nigerians down and we will not let the international community down.”
The South African leader said the Commonwealth observation mission is hopeful and confident the election will be a success.
“We come very hopeful and confident that we will have a successful, peaceful and inclusive elections and in the end, there will be no complaints. But that depends on INEC and the many other people that constitute your team. So, we have come here to listen and to understand as much as we can, your own views in terms of the preparations for the election and all other things that fall within the limit of the commission,” Mbeki said.
- FG moves to secure natural resources, as presidential committee meets service chiefs - January 25, 2024
- Kogi govt pays JAMB registration fees for 15,033 public school students - January 24, 2024
- Edo Guber: APC debunks aspirants screening disqualification rumours - January 24, 2024