Off circle election: We are partisan, we have choosen candidate – INEC chair Mahmood Yakubu

Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has stated that the commission has no favorite candidate for the governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo States on Saturday.

Yakubu stated that INEC is not a political party and so has no candidate in the three states’ governorship elections on Saturday.

The INEC Chairman warned staff members on Friday not to interfere with Saturday’s poll, emphasizing that voters should be free to choose their governors.

Yakubu also stated that 5,169,692 Nigerians who received their PVCs are likely to vote.

He went on to say that this is the first time in the country’s history that these elections are being held on the same day and across three geopolitical zones.

He urged INEC officials, both regular and ad hoc, to show the utmost patriotism and professionalism during the polls.

According to Yakubu:

“As I said repeatedly, not least during my recent readiness assessment visits to the three States, INEC is not a political party and we have no candidate in the election.

“Our responsibility is to safeguard the process and ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates. The choice of who becomes the Governor of Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States is entirely in the hands of voters.

“Polling Unit results will be uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. All election duty officials have been trained.

“Arrangements have been made for land and maritime transportation to enable us commence voting on schedule.

“In spite of the extremely difficult terrain and physical infrastructure in some locations, we are determined to ensure that our officials are there waiting for voters rather than the voters waiting for our arrival.”