INEC encourages CSOs to deepen democratic processes

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to expand their oversight to include the activities of political parties and State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).

INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made this appeal during a visit by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room.

While commending CSOs’ contributions to improving Nigeria’s electoral democracy, Yakubu emphasized the need for broader engagement to strengthen the process.

He noted that flawed primary elections and local government elections can undermine the overall electoral system.

Yakubu stressed the significance of political parties’ primary elections in determining the candidates who appear on the ballot.

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He urged CSOs to scrutinize these primaries and the conduct of local government elections by SIECs.

The Team Leader of the Civil Society Situation Room, Yinusa Z Ya’u, expressed the group’s shared interest with INEC in consolidating democracy and conducting credible elections.

He highlighted their efforts in mobilizing citizens for PVC collection and promoting peaceful polls.

Ya’u also affirmed their commitment to holding political parties accountable and ensuring they adhere to electoral rules.