Prof Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has announced that the commission has no candidate in the upcoming November 11, 2023 governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.
In a late Thursday statement, Yakubu assured a fair playing field for all political parties and candidates and emphasized the commission’s dedication to promptness, stating, “We are determined to ensure that our officials are there waiting for voters rather than the voters waiting for our arrival.”
Titled “CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE ON THE OFF-CYCLE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTIONS SATURDAY 11TH NOVEMBER, 2023,” the statement highlighted the historical significance of simultaneous elections in North Central (Kogi), South East (Imo), and South-South (Bayelsa).
The INEC boss urged officials to exhibit patriotism and professionalism, reiterating that INEC is non-partisan and has no stake in the elections’ outcomes.
Yakubu detailed the preparations, including the delivery of sensitive and non-sensitive materials, configuration of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and training of election duty officials. Stressing the multi-stakeholder nature of elections, he mentioned the deployment of National Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners, and Administrative Secretaries to each state.
The Chairman acknowledged lessons learned from previous elections and emphasized the collaborative effort needed for free, fair, and credible elections. Security agencies assured a secure environment, and political parties and candidates committed to a peace accord under the National Peace Committee.
Yakubu concluded, urging everyone to play their roles conscientiously for the continued consolidation of democracy.
