Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),Prof Mahmood Yakubu, has promised Nigerians and the international community that the commission will not let them down in its resolved to deliver a credible poll on February 25.
He spoke when he received the Commonwealth Election Observation Mission to Nigeria for the 2023 general election, led by former South African president Thabo Mbeki.
He said that the commission, in partnership with the security agencies, political parties and other stakeholders have made adequate preparations as the commission cannot do it alone.
“We are aware of the responsibility that lies on our shoulders. But we cannot do it alone. Our work is clearly cut out with assigned responsibilities for the security agencies, the parties and others. As a commission, we have constantly engaged with all stakeholder…
“We are committed to a free and fair process. I want to assure you that INEC is not a political party. We don’t have a candidate in the election. The choice of who becomes what during the general election is entirely the choice of the Nigerian people. We are committed to free, fair, credible, inclusive election and verifiable elections.
‘Elections in Nigeria is huge. We understand that the magnitude of the responsibility placed on our shoulders and we also understand that a credible election is the pillar on which good governance rest. I want to assure you that we will never let Nigerians down and we will not let the international community down”
The South Africa’s former leader said the Commonwealth observation mission is hopeful and confident the election will be a success.
He added:”We come very hopeful and confident that we will have a successfully, peaceful and inclusive elections and at the end, there will be no complain. But that depend on INEC and the many other people that constitute your team. So, we have come here to listen and to understand as much as we can, your own views in terms of the preparations for the election and all other things that falls within the limit of the commission”