We have nothing to hide – INEC Boss, Yakubu

On Wednesday, INEC stated that, contrary to popular belief, it will be completely transparent with all aspects of the 2023 General Elections.

This was reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to have been spoken by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a meeting with media representatives in Lagos to discuss the results of the 2023 general election.

Yakubu claimed that despite the difficulties, the 2023 elections had several benefits.

The chairman acknowledged that the commission would strive to enhance its nationwide election procedures in light of the difficulties encountered in the most recent vote.

Here’s a chance for media company execs to share their observations and suggestions for enhancing the voting process for the future.

The commission has nothing to hide, and it is through dialogue like this that we can make the electoral system better in the future.

“It is obvious that there are numerous benefits stemming from the general elections, and we also acknowledge that there are many difficulties with the most recent vote.

Although it would be irresponsible of us to avoid discussing matters that are clearly subjudice, “there are several election litigations at the various elections tribunals nationwide.”

Yakubu stated that INEC had summoned state, local, and community media executives who had covered the elections and spoken with Nigerians in their own tongues.

He stated that the commission, in addition to the work done in Abuja the previous week, will also take into account the executives’ feedback on the coverage of the elections in their respective communities and locales by the media.

According to him, the commission can broaden the area of consultations on the elections through these meetings and talks with the media.

Yakubu said the commission is looking into the difficulties journalists had with everything from the accreditation procedure to gaining access to polling places and counting facilities during the elections.

He added that it was also interested in hearing assessments of the security measures in place and receiving recommendations for future enhancements.

Yakubu said the commission may petition the National Assembly to change the law so that citizens of Nigeria who are disqualified from voting due to their occupations can participate in the electoral process.

For instance, many eligible Nigerians were denied the right to cast a ballot on election day because of restrictions imposed by state legislation.

Most journalists had to work in locations far from where they are registered on election day, making it impossible for them to cast ballots.

This is not just for reporters, but for all INEC employees, both permanent and temporary, as well as the police and other security personnel.

According to one participant, “through this kind of interaction, we get recommendations coming from stakeholders and see in what area we are going to approach the National Assembly to amend the laws.”