The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu has vowed that the 2023 general elections would hold unhindered in spite of the commission’s loss of 1990 ballot boxes, 399 voting cubicles, 24 generators and several PVCs.
Yakubu noted that he will recover from the recent attacks on its infrastructure and have successful elections.
Professor Yakubu made this remark on Tuesday while addressing a retreat for Resident Electoral Commissioners, or RECs, in Lagos.
Yakubu said: “In the previous four months, five of our offices have been assaulted, buildings have been damaged, and supplies have been destroyed around the country.”
“It’s of a concern for us because we lost over 1990 ballot boxes, 399 voting cubicles, 24 generators, and a large number of PVCs, among other things.”
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“These attacks must stop, and the perpetrators must face justice.” Our obligation is to have elections, and I want Nigerians to know that we will recover from these attacks.
“We will continue to collaborate with security forces, traditional and community leaders, and Nigerians to put an end to the attacks.” The final remedy, however, is to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators, Yakubu added.
According to Yakubu, “The current attack in Ebonyi State is one of the most terrible. Staff relocated to the office on Friday, and the institution was attacked on Sunday.
“We are optimistic that we will recover, but there is a limit to how much we can recover if the attacks continue with the general elections only 86 days away.”
“We are dedicated to ensuring that the election proceeds as planned and that the will of the Nigerian people prevails.”
When asked about allegations that voters can vote without PVCs, Yakubu, who is critical of the online report, stated, “For anyone to vote, the commission has always upheld the policy of no PVC, no voting.” As a result, nothing has changed, which would be a violation of Section 47, Subsection 1 of the Electoral Act of 2022.”
Yakubu explained that “On election day, each Nigerian who desires to vote must submit his or her PVC to the presiding officer at the polling unit.” The policy hasn’t changed, and we’ll be the last to break the law. As a result, Nigerians should dismiss the notion that people can vote on election day without a PVC.”
The INEC boss, on the other hand, has charged the RECs with being professional in their roles.
“Our success ultimately rests on our ethics,” Yakubu remarked. The commission is not a political party, and it will not have a candidate in the upcoming elections. Before the commission, all political parties have equal status. “Our obligation is to protect the integrity of the voting box, nothing more, nothing less.”
“The retreat is intended to educate RECs with the processes and procedures in advance of the election, which will take place in 86 days.”
In response to a court decision to prolong voter registration, Yakubu stated, “We have continuously stated that there is no court judgement that dictates INEC to continue voter registration.” It’s a misunderstanding, and it should be avoided. There are less than 90 days until the election, and there is no judicial injunction to reschedule it.”
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