A Call to Action: INEC’s Quest for Electoral Excellence as Prof. Yakubu meets RECs
Oru Leonard
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), has declared determination to achieve electoral excellence.
The crucial meeting came on the heels of quarterly consultative meetings with stakeholders and the induction retreat for new RECs in Lagos.
With two off-cycle governorship elections looming in Edo and Ondo States, as well as seven pending bye-elections across six states, the Chairman emphasized the importance of the gathering. “These elections will be the main focus of our attention today,” he stated, his eyes scanning the room.
Following the conclusion of the last Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) in Edo and Ondo States, the Commission published the figures of new registrants for the two States. In Edo, 119,206 new voters were registered, with additional transfers and corrections. The Commission had updated records, replaced lost PVCs, and served 184,438 voters. New PVCs had been printed, delivered, and were ready for collection.
The Chairman outlined the collection process, emphasizing the importance of personal collection to prevent PVCs from falling into the wrong hands. He urged voters to collect their cards and exercise their right to vote.
As part of preparations for the Edo State Governorship election, the final register of voters would be presented to political parties, and the Commission was working on the schedule for PVC collection in Ondo State.
The Chairman reminded media organizations to apply for accreditation before the deadline and announced the publication of the final list of candidates, accredited observers, and polling agents.
With a sense of urgency and purpose, the Chairman reiterated his commitment to electoral excellence, noting that together, they would work tirelessly to ensure free, fair, and credible elections, upholding the sanctity of the ballot and the voices of Nigerian citizens.
