The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has promised not to postpone the 2023 general election despite the security challenges facing the country.
The nation’s electoral agency stated that it is fully aware of the insecurity in the country and its impact on the electoral process, stressing that the forthcoming polls will hold as planned.
Speaking at a public presentation in Abuja on Thursday, INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, called on the citizens to support the commission in ensuring that the 2023 election is a success.
The INEC boss said the commission will continue to dialogue with the security agencies to ensure the safety of its personnel, election materials and other critical stakeholders.
He said: “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.
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 elections must be held 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.”
Yakubu said 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.
He, however, appreciated stakeholders and international organisations for their support in developing the election project plan.
