SAYS IT IS READY TO CONDUCT THE OFF-CYCLE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION IN IMO. BAYELSA, KOGI
By Bilkisu Adejoh
The Chairman, of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakub has re-emphasized that INEC is not a political party and has no candidates for the election in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa state.
He made this known in his message on the off-cycle governorship elections on Thursday 9th November 2023 in a statement.
Mahmood therefore, urged the staff of the commission to demonstrate the highest level of patriotism and professionalism during Saturday’s off-cycle governorship elections, reiterating that the electoral body is not a political party and does not have a candidate in the election.
Our responsibility is to safeguard the process and ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates. The choice of who becomes the governor of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi is entirely in the hands of voters.
Prof. Yakubu further reassured free, fair, and credible elections in the governorship polls in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo states and admonished the need for collaboration as the commission cannot conduct credible elections alone.
Election is a multi-stakeholder responsibility. As with every election, lessons have been learned from recent elections. We will continue to ensure free, fair credible, and inclusive elections but INEC cannot do it alone.
He added that arrangements for Saturday’s governorship election in Kogi State had been concluded.
The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been configured for deployment to polling units as the only means of voter verification and finger/facial biometric authentication of voters.
