Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has called on political parties and their candidates for the Edo and Ondo governorship elections to adhere strictly to established rules.
Expressing concern over the hostility and tension characterising the campaigns, Yakubu highlighted the recent attack on the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Edo State, resulting in a security officer’s death.
During a quarterly meeting with political party leaders in Abuja, Yakubu emphasised the importance of compliance with the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022, especially concerning rallies, processions, and campaigns. He also noted the delay by some parties in submitting their lists of polling and collation agents, with only 53 days left until the Edo State election.
Yakubu assured that security would be a major focus, both for candidates and voters. He also detailed the Commission’s preparations, including additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and recovery efforts from recent flooding at the State Headquarters in Benin City.
The INEC Chairman confirmed the publication of the final list of candidates and ongoing efforts to complete the voter register for the 2024 elections in Edo and Ondo States. Political parties have been urged to meet the deadline for uploading agent details to facilitate the accreditation process.
The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Yusuf Dantalle, reiterated IPAC’s commitment to electoral integrity and called for the amendment of the Constitution and the Electoral Act to empower INEC to conduct all local government elections, criticising the current system managed by State Independent Electoral Commissions.
Dantalle emphasised the necessity of free, fair, and credible elections to restore trust in the democratic process, essential for stable governance and national progress.
