Off-cycle election: INEC reiterates commitment to neutrality, denies support for any parties

Leading up to the gubernatorial elections scheduled for Saturday in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern caution to its staff, emphasizing the importance of impartiality and underscoring that the commission operates independently of any political affiliation.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, conveyed this warning in a message distributed to staff on Thursday night, highlighting the historic nature of simultaneous off-cycle elections across three different geopolitical zones: North Central (Kogi), South East (Imo), and South-South (Bayelsa).

Yakubu urged both regular and ad-hoc officials to exhibit a high degree of patriotism and professionalism, reiterating INEC’s neutral stance in the electoral process. He emphasized that the commission’s role is to ensure a fair and level playing field for all political parties and candidates, emphasizing that the choice of governors in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi rests solely with the voters.

In preparation for the elections, Yakubu confirmed the deployment of all sensitive and non-sensitive materials, including the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for voter verification and fingerprint/facial biometric authentication. Results from polling units will be uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. Training for election duty officials has been completed, and arrangements for transportation have been made to ensure the timely commencement of voting.

To further strengthen the electoral process, INEC disclosed the deployment of two National Commissioners, nine Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), and Administrative Secretaries, along with additional staff from different states to each of the three states. They will be strategically positioned across the senatorial zones to support the electoral process.

Emphasizing that elections are a collective responsibility, Yakubu acknowledged the lessons learned from recent elections and reiterated INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections. He also highlighted the cooperation received from security agencies, political parties, and candidates who have signed a peace accord under the National Peace Committee (NPC). Yakubu concluded by urging all stakeholders to maintain peace and fulfill their roles conscientiously, emphasizing that such collective efforts are crucial for the continued consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.