INEC Chair, Yakubu Pledges Credible Governorship Poll In Edo

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has assured party leaders and security agencies in Edo State that the outcome of the September 21 governorship election would reflect the people’s choice.
Yakubu who gave the assurance at a stakeholders meeting in Benin City, however, said the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) will not be extended beyond the 10 days allocated to it despite calls for its extension.
The meeting had in attendance leaders of various political parties and heads of the Police, Army, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Yakubu said that daily updates about the CVR showed that majority of those registering were young people, mostly students.
He said, “The 2023 election was the most open election in the history of Nigeria, the most with diverse outcome, political parties that were least expected to win elections, won elections because of the proactive actions of the Commission.
“In February, we conducted state assembly elections, APGA won seats in a south-south state and three months after, local government election was conducted the same party did not win a single seat.
“We have deployed technology in every election cycle to improve on the previous one. Today, with BIVAS which is no longer the card reader, we are sure that 98 per cent of people who will vote in any election are eligible voters, and must be accredited.
“Nobody can be disenfranchised, that was an improvement in the card reader. We have 98 percent successful accreditation with BIVAS.”
The INEC boss, who assured all parties in the election of a level-playing field during the election, urged them to play the game by the rule in order to ensure peaceful election in the state.
He, however, condemned the reported shootings during the on-going CVR in Oredo Ward 4, Egor and other centres in the state.
Yakubu who said that such shootings were uncalled for noted, “It is only the people that have the right to decide who govern them. Therefore, their rights must be well protected and they should not be prevented from doing so.”
Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuoha said the meeting was called to address the violence experienced in some parts of the state.
“Some of our staff have been affected by these shootings. So, it is important that we interact with these security agencies and see how we can proffer solutions,” Onuoha said.