Janet Samuel, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged all accredited observers to the Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa governorship election to strictly adhere to the code of conduct that governs election observation.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu gave the advice while speaking at the quarterly consultative meeting with the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Prof. Yakubu noted that the Commission will grant the Civil Society access to voting and collation centers, urging them to strictly follow the code guiding elections.
He reassured that the Commission will continue to engage with security agencies at the national level and in the three States to ensure safety during the election.
“Election is a multi-stakeholder activity. In discharging our responsibilities, we will continue to engage with all stakeholders. One of such engagements is 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.
“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”, the INEC boss said.
Speaking on behalf of the CSOs, the National Coordinator, Justice and Equity Organisation, Bafunsho 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.
