BY Temitope Adedeji
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it’s allegiance is to Nigerians and not any political party ahead of the 2023 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, gave this assurance at the opening of a two-day Induction Retreat for the commission’s Administrative Secretaries in Lagos on Monday.
In his opening remarks, Yakubu, who was represented by INEC National Commissioner, Election and Party Monitoring Committee (EPMC) Sam Olumekun, said that the retreat, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was part of the preparation of INEC for the 2023 general elections.
According to him, over the last 23 years since the return of democratic rule, the commission has recorded a steady progress with the nation’s elections getting better and citizens’ confidence in the process increasing.
“Let me repeat once again that the Commission’s allegiance is to Nigeria. Our loyalty is to Nigerians who want free, fair, credible and verifiable elections.
“It is in this respect that I want to warn all members of staff of the commission to be neutral and professional in their conduct during the forth coming election, ” Yakubu said.
“Consequently, our elections have become better, electoral outcomes less contentious and less stressful, ” he added.
Yakubu said that with the first poll in 2023 general elections remaining 88 days, there was the need, more than ever, for the commission to remain focused and deliver a successful general election.
“This retreat, is therefore, an opportunity to not only bring our Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) up to date about preparations, procedures and requirements for a successful election but also get the commitment of our Administrative Secretaries towards attaining the highest level of efficiency in implementing the strategies outlined for a successful 2023 general election.
“In this regard Administrative Secretaries are expected to be effective coordinators and provide timely progress reports and highlight challenges to proactively addressed without affecting relevant timelines,” he said.
