EU-SDGN PROJECT: INEC was a key beneficiary of the first phase- Prof Yakubu …Commends NYSC Management and Corps members for their commitment..

ORU Leonard

Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu has acknowledged that the Commission was was a key beneficiary of the first phase of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme. Adding that it is a further affirmation of the enduring commitment and support of the European Union towards strengthening democratic institutions and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.

Yakubu stated this in his remarks to mark the closure ceremony of EU-SDGN Phase I and launch of Phase II, said the Commission will continue to work with the EU, its consortium of partners and all electoral stakeholders to implement the support to the INEC component of the EU-SDGN II, and ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s electoral reforms in order to protect the integrity and guarantee the credibility of election outcomes based on the rule of law and the will of the electorate.

He noted that the support went a long way to complement the Commission’s efforts at strengthening our organisational and planning capacity, improvement of our internal and external communication, more frequent consultation with stakeholders and advocacy for increased participation in the electoral process.

“The combination of these actions and activities not only enhanced public confidence in the Commission, but also provided valuable assistance in strengthening the integrity and credibility of the electoral process. A major achievement in this regard is the progressive provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, especially the deployment of technology for voter accreditation and result management at polling unit level.”, he said.

Commending the process establishing the launch of  EU-SDGN phase II, he said; “It is commendable that the EU-SDGN II is designed to build on the successes achieved under Phase I. The new progamme is anchored on the priorities of the European Union and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as contained in the Indicative Programme 2021-2027 and formulated based on the key recommendations of the EU Election observation Mission (EU-EOM) report on the 2015 and 2019 General Elections. The thematic components and strategic areas of intervention in the programme include support to INEC; the National Assembly; the Judiciary; Political Parties; Civil Society Organisations; the Media; and the promotion of inclusivity through increased participation of women, youth and other marginalised groups in the electoral and democratic processes.”

Yakubu reassured that the Commission will work together with the consortium of partners to implement the support to the INEC component of the EU-SDGN II. “We will also continue to create the enabling environment to facilitate the work of the partners for the successful implementation of the programme”, he added.

He commended the the National Youth Service Corps Management and members for regular commitment, diligence and sacrifice during elections..