Interim Govt: INEC Insists On 2023 Elections

By Tosin Olatokunbo

The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Election, INEC Prof. Mahmud Yakubu says the security situation in the country will not stop the conduct of election next year.

Yakubu spoke on the backdrop of worsening insecurity in the country, and the call by some prominent Nigerians for the election to be suspended,

On Tuesday, an elder statesman and prominent lawyer Afe Babalola called for the imposition of an Interim Government to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari next year. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN said the Interim government should be in office for six months, a period to midwife a new election.

Also, Afenifere leader Ayo Adebanjo said on Wednesday that the security problems in the country should be resolved before the conduct of a fresh election.

In 2015, the President Goodluck Jonathan administration shifted the presidential poll for six weeks

However, the INEC boss said the election would proceed in spite of the security challenges pervading the country.

Yakubu said, “As you may be aware, the election will be conducted for 1,491 constituencies nationwide made up of one presidential constituency, 109 senatorial districts, 360 federal constituencies, 28 governorship elections and 993 state constituencies.

“The election will involve an estimated one million electoral officials (both permanent and temporary or ad hoc staff) deployed to 176,846 polling units in 8,809 Wards and 774 Local Government Areas across the country.

“The election will be governed by a new Electoral Act 2022, which contains many progressive provisions that will enhance the capacity of the commission to conduct elections and manage the electoral process better.

“We have carefully listened to the demand of Nigerians for seamless processes, particularly with regard to enhanced voter education, better distribution of voters to polling units, quality training of election personnel, the functionality of electronic devices, improved logistics, prompt commencement of polls, and availability of assistive devices for persons with disability at polling units and greater transparency in result management.”

The INEC boss said the commission is working with security agencies in the country to ensure a hitch-free election.

He said, “Clearly, these are challenging times but we are determined that elections must hold in 2023. However, this is a shared responsibility. INEC plays a critical role but the commission alone cannot deliver the elections we all desire. I, therefore, appeal to all Nigerians to join hands with us in ensuring that we make a success of the process.”

Meanwhile, the electoral body says it will spend N239.2 billion to conduct the 2023 general elections. The amount will cover materials for all the elections, from governorship, state house of Assembly, National Assembly and presidential election. Provision has also been made for a possible Presidential Run-off election., INEC said.