INEC Decries Court Judgements Ahead Of Off Cycle Elections

By Kayode Oyedare

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has expressed concern over the spate of judgments and orders of a court in respect of nominations, substitutions or disqualification of candidates after sensitive materials have been printed.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu made this known at a consultative meeting with Political Parties in Abuja ahead of next month’s off-cycle Governorship election in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo states.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu said reprinting materials in compliance with court orders within a short period is not only expensive but also challenging.

According to him, the recent Four Court Orders have compelled INEC to review the list which is reflected on the website.

The INEC Boss also emphasized the need for political parties to submit names of their agents for polling units and collation centres in the Three States.

According to the INEC Boss, all the identity cards for party agents are coded to ensure maximum security and to avoid impersonation by unaccredited persons.

You Can Also Read:Off Cycle Election: INEC Builds Capacity Of Journalists

He appealed to political parties and the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC to promote peace and orderliness as the current state of insecurity in the Three States is of concern to the electoral body.

Speaking on behalf of the political parties, IPAC Chairman Yagbagi Sani urged INEC to maintain neutrality and provide a level playing ground for all Eighteen Political Parties participating in the off-cycle Governorship elections.

He also urged Youths to avoid being used as thugs during the polls.

Alhaji Yagbagi Sani also appealed to security agencies to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for all voters to participate in the electoral process.

Edited By Grace Namiji