INEC plans leveraging and improving same preparation, logistics
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Successful governorship polls held in Ekiti in June and in Osun in July will form the plank of the preparation, the logistics, and the confidence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deliver a free and fair vote in 2023.
INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu gave the assurance at a meeting in Lagos, organised by ActionAid Nigeria and the Ford Foundation to review logistics for the election.
He stressed INEC would improve on its processes and procedures to give Nigerians a credible result in the crucial ballot, which stakes are both highlighted and raised by the tight three-horse race to Aso Rock.
“In 2018, the Commission organised a similar meeting for critical stakeholders ahead of the 2019 general elections. The focus of the meeting was to review the perennial challenges associated with electoral logistics and how to address them.
“Since then, the Commission has improved on the delivery of logistics in particular and the election administration in general,” Yakubu said.
“The Commission is determined to build on the successes recorded in the recent elections in Ekiti and Osun States to improve the delivery of election materials.
“In this regard, we welcome the collaboration of Action Aid Nigeria for building these stakeholders together to deliberate on a very critical issue.”
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Continuous improvement
“The Commission is determined to continuously improve the processes and procedures to give Nigerians a pleasant experience on Election Day. In achieving this cause, we need the support and partnership of all stakeholders,” Yakubu said, as reported by The PUNCH.
“By your presence at this meeting, you have demonstrated your willingness to partner with the Commission, and we are encouraged by such demonstration of support and commitment to the success of the electoral process as we continue to make steady progress in the implementation of our plans.”
Police input
Inspector General of Police Usman Baba equally gave an assurance the police would provide security for all persons and properties involved in the election.
“The interaction helps in reviewing the developing political programmes as laid out by INEC and charts a clear pathway to resume the electoral process in the countdown to the 2023 general elections,” said Baba, represented by Police Federal Operations Commissioner Edem Effiong.
“As we all know, INEC has since confirmed the commencement of electoral campaigns for political parties.
“It is worth noting that the Nigeria Police Force’s statutory obligations include election security, political campaigns, and security tolerance.
“Political actors are advised to play the game by the Electoral Act 2022, while the Nigeria Police Force ensures the safety and security of all persons and properties involved in the entire electoral process.”
Ford Foundation involvement
Ford Foundation West Africa Regional Director Chichi Aniagolu reiterated logistics have been a major challenge during electioneering, hence the need for the meeting.
“If production companies can get their goods to the nooks and crannies of the country every single day, there is no reason why we cannot get people to vote once every four years.
“The reason why we have wanted to support this initiative is that we have seen that logistics is one of the challenges we have to ensure that people can exercise their franchise,” Aniagolu explained.