In preparation for the Presidential and National Assembly polls on Saturday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to conduct a free, fair, credible, and inclusive election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this statement during a meeting with the Commonwealth Election Observation Mission to Nigeria led by former South African President, Mr Thabo Mbeki, on Monday in Abuja.
Prof. Yakubu acknowledged the enormous responsibility placed on INEC’s shoulders and emphasized that they cannot achieve their goal alone. He noted that they have assigned responsibilities to security agencies, political parties, and other stakeholders.
He also revealed that INEC regularly engages with stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, the media, and security agencies, every three months, but can meet several times a year depending on the issues.
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The INEC Chairman stressed that INEC is a non-partisan commission and does not have any candidate in the election. The choice of who emerges as the winner during the general election is entirely the choice of the Nigerian people. He reiterated INEC’s commitment to a free, fair, credible, inclusive, and verifiable election, emphasizing that a credible election is vital for good governance.
Mr Thabo Mbeki, who led the Commonwealth Observer Mission to Nigeria, acknowledged Nigeria’s importance as a country and the impact it has on the continent as a whole. He expressed confidence in a successful, peaceful, and inclusive election and promised to observe the conduct of the election and make recommendations.
INEC Chairman further assured Nigerians and the international community that INEC would not disappoint them, and they are committed to delivering a free, fair, credible, and inclusive election.
