Ahead of next year’s General Election, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has assured of his firm commitment to delivering a free, fair and credible election, saying his ultimate goal is electoral justice which would allow every Nigerian experience electoral fulfilment.
Yakubu who was represented by the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Information, Voter Education and Publicity Committee IVEP made the pledge Monday in Lagos at the opening of a two-day capacity building workshop organized in conjunction with Development Alternatives Incorporated DAI and the European Union for the INEC Press Corp on ‘Critical issues in the Electoral Act, 2022 and the Commission’s Processes, Innovations, Preparations for the 2023 General Election.
At the event, Yakubu said the Commission is conscious of the critical role of the media in Nigeria’s political and electoral process and believes that democracy will only grow and flourish through adherence by the media to professional and ethical standards.
He assured Nigerians that the Commission will deploy and continue to deploy appropriate technology for the conduct of elections, adding that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System BVAS and INEC Result Viewing Portal IreV will be deployed for the conduct of the 2023 general election.
“We will continue to use technology to improve and enhance the credibility of elections in Nigeria. Our goal is electoral justice where every Nigerian will experience electoral fulfilment”, said Yakubu.
Noting that the Commission has entered a critical phase in the electoral process, Yakubu added that INEC has now undertaken eight out of the 14 items on the Calendar and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election.
On 20th September 2022, the Commission released the Final List of Candidates standing nominated for National Elections (Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates, Senatorial and House of Representative Candidates). On 4th October 2022, the Commission will release the Final List of candidates standing nominated in relation to State Elections (Governorship, Deputy Governorship and State Assemblies).
“On 28th September 2022 Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will start while that of Governorship and State Assembly candidates will start on 12th October 2022. The Commission will continue to adhere to set timelines in carrying out its activities”, he stated.
