No Observation; No Accreditation; INEC Tells CSO

No Observation; No Accreditation; INEC Tells CSO

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC says it will not accredit Civil Society Organizations that fail to submit Observation Reports on the last general election and other off cycle governorship and supplementary elections.

INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu stated this in Abuja during the first quarterly consultative meeting with Civil Society Organizations.

He said submition of observation Reports was mandatory as it was one of the condition for eligibility to observe future elections.

According to him, some of the reforms and Innovation introduced by the commission over the years were from election observation Reports.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu also stressed the need for CSOs to engage with political parties and observe their party primaries.

This according to him will strengthen their advocacy for inclusivity for groups such as women, Youths and persons with disabilities that are under represented in elective offices at National and State levels.

Speaking on behalf of Civil Society Organizations, Mufuliat Fijabi of Sustainable Gender Action Initiative commended INEC for always providing a platform for stakeholders to participate in the nation’s electoral process.

Mufuliat Fijabi assured Nigerians that CSOs would not relent in providing a voice for the voiceless in the society.

Kayode Oyedare, Edited By Grace Namiji