Moses Ofodeme
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, has appreciated commitment of political parties in the country to remain peaceful and conduct themselves as well as their supporters towards ensuring peaceful general elections beginning this Saturday, February 25.
At the event in Abuja, on Wednesday, 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 comes at a critical moment in the electoral calendar as campaign for Presidential and National Assembly elections ends at midnight today, Thursday 23rd February 2023.
Election will hold on Saturday this week and the INEC is ready, declares Yakubu.
“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.
“Once again, the Commission appreciates the work of the National Peace Committee and we urge political parties and their candidates to abide by the letter and spirit of the Accord.” Yakubu said.
