The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on accredited election observers for the Nov.11 Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo governorship election to strictly adhere to the code of conduct.
The INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said this at the commission’s quarterly meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Wednesday in Abuja, ahead of the election.
He said that INEC had accredited 145 organisations that were expected to deploy 7,896 observers, adding that in the next few days, they would be issued their identity cards for election duty.
Yakubu, who described election as a multi-stakeholder activity, said that in discharging its responsibilities, INEC would continue to engage with all stakeholders.
The INEC boss said that one of such was the need to step up engagements with the security agencies.
“In previous elections, civil society organisations have expressed concern about the safety of persons involved in elections, as well as the protection of the process, including polling units and collation centres.
“Similarly, civil society organisations have on several occasions urged the commission to interface with the security agencies to grant you unimpeded access to voting and collation locations.
“I want to reassure you that we will continue to do so as we engage with the security agencies both at the national level and in the three states.
“At the same time, I wish to remind all accredited observers to strictly adhere to the code of conduct for election observation,’’ Yakubu said.
Speaking on behalf of the CSOs, the National Coordinator, Justice and Equity Organisation, Mr Kafunsho Tunde, pledged to contribute his quota toward credible electoral process in Nigeria.
Tunde added that the CSOs would continue to play their roles in line with the rules guiding observer groups in future elections.
“We are grateful to God for the wonderful and excellent work INEC has been doing for this nation, which has been adjudged by the international community as one of the best in the world.
“We are grateful that adequate assurances have been given by the Commission to the observer group, both domestic and international, and we will play our roles in line with the electoral law and with support.
“It is our conviction that, amid the excellent work done during the 2023 general elections, the forthcoming off-cycle election in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states will also be credible with transparent arrangements already on the ground by the Commission,’’ he said.
Babatunde also appealed to the electorate in the three states to come out en masse to exercise their franchise and ensure that they voted for the candidates of their choices.