The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday maintained that the 2023 general election will hold despite the security challenges in the country. INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, stated this in Abuja at a public presentation of the 2022-2026 strategic plan and the 2023 election project plan.
Yakubu explained that the documents presented were the third in the series of strategic election plans since the era of deliberate planning of elections started in 2012. “We are also aware of the security challenges and their impact on the electoral process. We will continue to engage early and intensely with the security agencies to ensure the safety of our personnel and materials, accredited observers and the media and, above all, the voters,” he said.
“Clearly, these are challenging times but we are determined that election must hold in 2023. However, this is a shared responsibility. INEC plays a critical role but the commission alone cannot deliver the elections we all desire.” According to the INEC boss, the 2023 polls will be governed by the new Electoral Act which contains provisions that will enhance the capacity and ability of the commission to better manage the electoral process.
While pledging to ensure the safety of electoral personnel and materials, accredited observers, media practitioners, and voters, Yakubu called for the support of all Nigerians to successfully conduct the polls.
