Peace Accord: INEC committed to credible elections, Yakubu tells party leaders
Abuja– Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the commission is committed to free, fair and credible elections in Saturday.
Yakubu gave the assurances at the Signing of Peace Accord by political arties on Wednesday in Abuja.
Yakubu said: “I want to first if all appreciate the untiring effort of the National Peace Committee (NPC) for convening this important event. This is the 3rd Peace Accord to be signed by parties and candidates on the eve of a General Election in Nigeria since 2015 and the 9th overall if we include the Accords signed before the commencement of electioneering campaign in September last year and ahead of the five off-cycle Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo in 2020, Anambra in 2021 and Ekiti and Osun States in 2022.
“The signing of the Peace Accord today comes at a critical moment in the electoral calendar. Campaign for Presidential and National Assembly elections ends at midnight tomorrow Thursday 23rd February 2023. Election will hold on Saturday this week. INEC is ready. This morning, we commenced the movement of sensitive materials to the various Local Government Areas nationwide. By Friday, we will activate the Registration Area Centres (RACs) so that at first light on Saturday, Polling Units will open on time.
“The Commission is committed to free, fair and credible elections in compliance with the electoral legal framework and the letter and spirit of the Peace Accord. All political parties and candidates are hereby reassured of the Commission’s neutrality. Above all, Nigerians should feel confident that their votes will count.
“Over the next two days beginning from tomorrow, Thursday, the Commission will be holding daily media briefing at 3pm. The briefing will hold at this venue. The purpose is to provide update on preparations for the elections and to respond to issues that may arise. The briefing is open to political parties, civil society organizations, observers, the media and security agencies.”
He said that the Commission appreciatesd the work of the National Peace Committee.
Yakubu urge political parties and their candidates to abide by the letter and spirit of the Accord.(shadanpamarepoters)
