We will conduct credible polls in Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi – INEC, NASS assure Nigerians
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Assembly have vowed to ensure credible elections in the states of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi.
This conclusion was reached during the first meeting of the Senate and House committees on electoral matters.
The INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, and his counterpart from the House of Representatives, Hon Bayo Balogun, attended the meeting on Monday in Abuja.
According to Platinum Times, gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi have been scheduled to take place in the next weeks.
While speaking to members of the National Assembly present at the meeting, Yakubu explained the commission’s plans and preparations for smooth, transparent, and credible elections in the three states.
He stated that the commission was ready to work with the National Assembly and other key stakeholders to strengthen the country’s electoral process.
In his remarks, Alli challenged INEC to do everything in its power to ensure the credibility of the elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi.
According to the legislator, the meeting was held to discuss crucial issues involving INEC’s activities and preparations for the upcoming elections in the three states.
He went on to say that the 9th Assembly set a high bar for the committee, particularly with the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the Electoral Offenses Commission Establishment Bill, 2022.
He said,
“Based on the brief I have received, there are pending technical issues that need attention on the Electoral Offences Committee Bill and as you are all aware, there have been calls for possible improvements on the Electoral Act, 2022.
“Zonal interactive sessions with stakeholders will also be organized by the committee to enable participants strategize on relevant issues regarding pre-election matters. Also included are possible omissions in the Electoral Act, Electoral Offences Commission (Establishment) Bill and other relevant issues”.