The 2023 general elections, is just a week away and the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu has given the assurance for the conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly election on Saturday, February 25, 2023, after inspecting the National Collation Centre and Ad-hoc staff Presiding Officers undergoing training in Abuja.
Professor Yakubu gave the assurance on Saturday during his visitation to the training centre for INEC’s ad-hoc staff or Presiding Officers at Government Secondary School Garki, and three major venues for the elections, the National Collation Centre at the International Conference Centre, ICC, the Situation room and Press Centre.
According to INEC Chairman, protests generated in some parts of the country, is not threats to the elections. "As I keep saying, what is happening around the country is being handled by the security agencies and by this time next week, Nigerians will be voting in over 176,000 polling units nationwide and the outcome of that process for presidential election will be compiled here on the choice made by Nigerians for the next president of the country will also be announced at this venue".
Yakubu also disclosed that the National Peace Committee will undertake the signing of the peace accord on Wednesday 22nd at 3:00pm ahead of the Saturday polls.
On the inspection of training center for Presiding Officers, INEC Chairman urged them against partisanship and fraud, noting that the BVAS is smarter than them.
“You are the only ones that will handle the BVAS at polling units on election day. Take this job seriously. We are tracking you as well so that we can know who is holding which BVAS. Do not give this BVAS to someone else” INEC boss stressed.
Prof Yakubu who maintained that NYSC are going to operate at the most important level of the electoral system; at the polling unit levels said the NYSC loyalty is to Nigeria and Nigerians and not to any political party or any candidate.
“You will be the INEC Chairman at your polling unit. You are the King at the polling units. loyalty is to Nigeria and Nigerians and not to any political party or any candidate.
“There is no way INEC can conduct elections without the NYSC. You are simply indispensable in the conduct of elections in Nigeria. We cannot conduct elections with our workforce alone.
“So we have to rely on you and other categories of staff. But you are going to operate at the most important level of the electoral system; at the polling unit levels because that is where citizens go and vote.
“All of you will swear an oath of neutrality. Your loyalty is to Nigeria and Nigerians and not to any political party or any candidate. You will be the INEC Chairman at your polling unit. You are the King at the polling units.