By 
The Leader of the Commonwealth Observation Mission for this Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to ensure it conducts credible, Inclusive and peaceful election that would be acceptable to all.
Former President Mbeki stated this in Abuja when he led a delegation of Commonwealth Observation Mission to the INEC Headquarters.
He said they were in Nigeria to observe the elections as Nigeria was an important country in Africa.
‘’We came, very hopeful and very confident that the elections would be peaceful and acceptable to all. Conducting Peaceful election depends on you, the Chairman and your team nationwide.”
“Our visit was also to listen, understand as much as we can your own views in terms of preparations and anything and everything else concerning the elections as far as it concerns INEC.” Mr Mbeki stated.
Mr Mbeki said that the observation mission would at the end of its activities write a report and also make recommendations on how to deepen the nation’s democracy.
Responding, the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu told the delegation that the commission was aware of the enormous responsibilities on their shoulders and had been working to ensure a hitch free polls.
‘’Every three months we meet with the Stakeholders who are the leaders of Political Parties, The CSO, The Media and the Security agencies. We have benefitted with the interactions with the Stakeholders. We are committed to a free and fair process. I want to assure you that INEC is not a Political Party and we don’t have a Candidate in the election. The Choice of who becomes President is entirely in the hands of the ninety three million registered voters.’’
Professor Yakubu also said that the Country had benefitted from the previous observation of the Commonwealth and most of the innovations introduced in the country’s electoral system overtime were as a result of the observation reports.
Professor Yakubu told the delegation that out of the fourteen activities listed on the timetable and schedule for the election, the commission had concluded twelve, the remaining two which are the last day of campaigns by law was supposed to be forty eight hours to the date of the elections and conducting the election proper.
‘’The Election will be held in two phases; on February 25, we will hold the Presidential and National Assembly Elections. We have two Chambers of the National Assembly, The Senate and the House of Representatives. Two weeks later, we will hold the State elections, Governorship election in 28 out of thirty six States and FCT and then elections of members of the State assembly and we have nine hundred and ninety three constituencies.’’ Prof Yakubu noted.
Professor Yakubu assured the Commonwealth delegation that the INEC would not fail the country.
Earlier, the leader of Commonwealth observers Mr Mbeki had a news briefing were he urged all stakeholders in the 2023 elections to uphold their commitment to ensure peaceful and inclusive polls. (RN)
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