By JOHN ONAH, Abuja –
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Wednesday in Abuja met with Electoral Officers nationwide to x-ray the conduct of the 2023 general election.
In his opening remark at the occasion, the Chairman INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu noted that election neither took place at the national nor state offices of the commission, hence, the need to meet with the electoral Officers who are directly linked with the polling units.
According to Yakubu, the review will focus on ten critical areas, like the general state of preparedness for the election, the voters registration process, the recruitment and deployment of ad hoc staff, and the receipt and deployment of election materials.
“It would be an opportunity to identify areas of strength and weakness for immediate improvement in forthcoming elections, especially the three off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states scheduled to hold on November 11, 2023”, he said.
He disclosed that the Commission plans to hold more engagements with internal and external stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, the media, and security agencies.
The review which went into technical session immediately after the opening ceremony was part of INEC’s commitment to ensuring that all elections in Nigeria are free, fair, and credible.
Some key areas to look into according to Yakubu are ten critical areas, including the general state of preparedness for the election, the voters registration process, the recruitment and deployment of ad hoc staff, and the receipt and deployment of election materials.
The review will serve as an opportunity to identify areas of strength and weakness for immediate improvement in forthcoming elections.
