The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, at the expert meeting on election logistics for 2023 general elections at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja-Lagos, on Tuesday, indicated that the commission is prepared to improve on electoral logistics and election administration in the 2023 general elections.
Yakubu, acknowledging the presence of the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Lagos State, emphasized that logisticians, security agencies, and other agencies are responsible for facilitating the clearance of election materials at entry ports. He identified the agencies to include the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Niger Ports Authority (NPA), aviation agencies, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics, training institutions such as the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), the private sector such as banks and manufacturers, trade unions, civil society organisations and development partners. He said that the meeting was to review the perennial challenges associated with electoral logistics and how to address them.
Yakubu said that efforts have been made to improve electoral logistics and election administration, in general. The Commission, he said, is determined to build on the successes recorded in the recent off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun states to improve on the delivery of election materials and the early commencement of polls. He noted the collaboration with Action Aid Nigeria and development partners in organising the meeting that has brought all the major players together to deliberate on the critical issue. “The Commission”, Yakubu said, “is determined to continuously improve on our processes and procedures in order to give Nigerians a pleasant experience on Election Day.”
According to the INEC chairman, “in achieving this goal, we need the support and partnership of all stakeholders. By your presence at this meeting, you have demonstrated your willingness to partner with the Commission and we are encouraged by such demonstration of support and commitment to the success of the electoral process as we continue to make steady progress in the implementation of our plans.”
Prof. Yakubu stated that so far, the Commission has successfully implemented 9 of the 14 activities listed in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Elections. He recalled that two weeks ago, the Commission published the final list of candidates for national elections (Presidential, Senatorial and House of Representatives). He added that today, the list of candidates for State elections (Governorship and State Houses of Assembly) will be published in all INEC offices nationwide and uploaded to the Commission’s website as required by law. He said that 18 political parties have nominated a total of 837 candidates and their running mates for the Governorship election holding in 28 States of the Federation, and 10,240 candidates for State Assembly constituencies, vying for 993 seats.
The INEC chairman noted that with 143 days to the 2023 General Election, the commission anticipate more partnership and support from Action Aid Nigeria and look forward to actionable recommendations that will ensure a seamless logistics for the 2023 General Election.