100 Days To 2023 Polls, INEC Declares Loyalty To Nigerians, Technology

100 days to the kick-off of 2023 elections, Wednesday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said its allegiance is to Nigeria, as well as Nigerians who desire free, fair, credible and verifiable elections supported by technology.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmud said in the last 23 years, the Commission has recorded a steady progress in the twin areas of electoral reform and election administration, saying a lot of work still lies ahead.

Mahmud said this Wednesday, in his message on the occasion of 100 days to the general elections.

He added that it was generally acknowledged that “our elections are getting better and citizens’ confidence in the process is increasing.”

“As I have said repeatedly, the Commission’s allegiance is to Nigeria. Our loyalty is to Nigerians who want free, fair, credible and verifiable elections supported by technology, which guarantees transparent accreditation and upload of polling unit results for citizens to view in real-time on Election Day. It is for these reasons that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) were introduced. There is no going back on the deployment of BVAS and IReV for the 2023 General Election.

“Similarly, we will continue with our regular engagement with political parties, civil society organisations, the media and other critical stakeholders. Above all, Nigerians deserve the right to know about the progress we are making and the challenges (if any) we confront in our preparations for the General Election. Accordingly, in a couple of weeks, the Commission will start bi-weekly media briefings followed by weekly briefings as we get closer to the election. In the week leading to the election, there will be daily briefings” INEC boss stated.

Prof Mahamud called on all eligible Nigerians to participate fully in all electoral activities, particularly the ongoing display of the Register of Voters for claims and objections, as well as collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs). I also call on political parties and political leaders to conduct their campaigns peacefully, eschewing divisiveness, rancour and violence.

He added: “As Nigerians are aware, election is a multi-stakeholder activity. We wilI continue to play our part diligently and conscientiously. We appeal to all stakeholders and, above all, citizens to play their own part so that working together, we can have the elections that Nigerians yearn for, and which the world expects from us”.

INEC has fixed Saturday, 25th February 2023 for (Presidential and National Assembly) and two weeks later on Saturday 11th March 2023 for State (Governorship and State Houses of Assembly) elections.