Restore public confidence in INEC, IPAC boss urges Yakubu
By Tunde Opalana
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been charged to restore public confidence in the nation’s electoral process by ensuring a smooth and credible conduct of the November 11 off- cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states.
National Chairman of the Inter- Party Advisory Council, Engineer Yabagi Sani gave the advice in Abuja on Tuesday at the quarterly meeting of the Commission with representatives of political parties.
In his response on behalf of leaders of political parties, Yabagi Sani who is the. National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) said with the coming gubernatorial polls, INEC has an ample of opportunity to correct perceptions created by shortcomings in the 2023 general election.
The IPAC Chairman said it was obvious that disaffection created by the conduct of the last general elections caused confidence deficit on the part of the election management body.
Sani, therefore urged the INEC chairman, to ensure adequate preparation for the November 11 elections and handling of post- election processes in the three states.
He said “as we gather here in preparation for the off-season elections in Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa states scheduled for November 11, 2023, I would like to on behalf of all political parties in Nigeria request INEC to seize the opportunity of these elections to deal with the issue of confidence deficit among the citizenry following the outcome of the 2023 national elections.
READ ALSO: Top 5 Political Players in Ondo State
“The 2023 national elections presented us with numerous challenges and controversies, leading to enormous challenges in our electoral processes. It is essential for INEC, as the custodian of our democracy, to address this issue comprehensively.
“To reaffirm citizens confidence, INEC must continue to demonstrate impartiality, transparency, and a commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections. This is not only a moral imperative but a necessary step towards preserving the integrity of our democratic system.
“There is no doubt that INEC is showing its best efforts in its preparations in spite of obvious encumbrances. However, a lot more needs to be done to ensuring that elections in Nigeria are hitch free, credible and substantially comply with the provisions of the controversial 2022 electoral act.”
Speaking on election security, Sani emphasized the need for security agents to be deployed for the coming polls to adhere strictly to rules of engagement, yo be impartial and insulate themselves from temptations of financial inducements from politicians.
“Furthermore, I challenge INEC to work diligently in persuading our security agencies to play by the rules of engagement and resist the temptation of being used by desperate politicians. The involvement of security agencies in the electoral process, when it becomes unavailable, must be based on professionalism, neutrality, and a commitment to the defense of our democracy, rather than partisan interests.
“The citizens must feel secure in their participation in the electoral process, knowing that their safety and security are assured. The present precarious state of insecurity in the country and in particular the three states where the November 11, 2023 off season elections will be taking place poses a real threat to full participation of the citizens in the exercise.
“It is also of paramount importance that INEC ensures the timely and secure delivery of both sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials to the States. Delays or mishandling of these materials can lead to suspicion and undermine the credibility of the entire election. We must work collaboratively to guarantee that these materials reach their destinations without any hitches.
“As we prepare for the upcoming off-season elections, let us recommit ourselves to the principles of democracy, fairness, and transparency. The challenges we face are not insurmountable, but they require a collective effort from all stakeholders involved in the electoral process. We must uphold the tenets of our democracy and work towards ensuring that the voice of the people is heard and respected through the ballot box.
“I implore all political parties, civil society organizations, and all citizens to play their part in creating an environment that fosters trust and confidence in our electoral processes. Together, we can ensure that the people’s will prevails and that our democracy continues to grow stronger.”
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Yakubu assured parties and candidates of adequate preparations to deliver sensitive and non- sensitive electoral material as well as seamless logistics preparations to ensure gree, fair, credible and acceptable elections in the three states.
Prof. Yakubu said “as electioneering campaigns continue to intensify, the Commission reiterates its concern about the spate of violence in the three States involving parties and candidates. I wish to remind you as party leaders that free and fair elections are only possible in an atmosphere of peace.
“After all, election is a process involving human beings as voters, election officials, observers and the media whose safety is of paramount concern to us. While we will continue to work with the security agencies in this regard, political parties acting individually or collectively through the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) also have an obligation to impress on your members, candidates and supporters to maintain peace during the campaign rallies and procession.
“I urge you to also appeal to them to maintain the same disposition on Election Day and beyond.”
The Chairman also promised that INEC will continue to obey court order on
eligibility of candidates for the November elections, based on litigations arising from primaries conducted by the political parties.
“On the issue of candidature, the Commission is concerned about the spate of recent judgements and orders of court in respect of the nomination, substitution or disqualification of candidates after all the sensitive materials have been printed.
“The reprinting of the materials in compliance with court orders within a short period of time is not only expensive but the management of the process very challenging. Although the Commission has already published the final list of candidates for the three States, four recent court orders have compelled us to review the list.
“These changes have been reflected in the updated list of parties and candidates on our website. However, this decision is without prejudice to any pending appeal by the affected candidates or their political parties.”
