INEC Capable Of Handling LG Election – Prof Yakubu

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, can comfortably handle the conduct of local government elections if the responsibility falls on it.

INEC, Chairman Prof Mahmood Yakubu stated this during a Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters hearing on preparations for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.

Prof Yakubu emphasized that INEC’s experience in conducting area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory demonstrates its capacity to handle local government elections.

He noted that the Commission has been conducting these elections without issues, with regular elections held as scheduled, no caretaker committees, stability of tenure, stressing that no single political party has won all seats.

However, Prof. Yakubu acknowledged that conducting off-cycle elections is more challenging than the general election, citing the Edo State election as an example.

The INEC Boss, raised security concerns regarding the deployment of the Edo State Security Network and emphasized the need for adequate security measures to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.

Despite these challenges, Yakubu expressed confidence in INEC’s ability to handle local government elections.

He highlighted the Commission’s preparedness for the upcoming elections, having implemented eight out of 13 activities outlined leading to the election.

The Commission has also recovered most of the BVAS machines affected by the flood in the Edo office and is ready for the election in both states.

Prof. Yakubu also discussed the ongoing continuous voter registration, validation of registered voters, and display of voter registers for claims and objections.

He noted that the Commission is working to ensure that all eligible voters are registered and able to exercise their franchise.

In terms of observer coverage, he mentioned that 134 observers have been approved to cover the election in Edo State and that voter registers will soon be printed for both states.

Yakubu reassured the committee of INEC’s commitment to transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji