We Remain Committed to Electoral Reform – INEC

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu says the Commission was committed to electoral reforms that would strengthen the power and value of the vote.

Yakubu, who was represented by Mr Festus Okoye, INEC Chairman Information and Voter Education stated this at the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room Stakeholders Forum on Elections, organised by the coalition of more than 70 civil societies in Abuja on Monday.

The umpire said the Commission would work assiduously with critical stakeholders in the electoral process in providing clarity, removing ambiguities, plugging existing lacuna in laws and constitutionally implementing those aspects of the law that guaranteed the credibility of elections.

READ: Kogi Poll: Wada to Appeal Election Result at Tribunal

“The Commission will definitely send its proposals to the National Assembly to clearly state aspects of the existing Law it supports, aspects that need further retooling, and new proposals that will strengthen the electoral process and the regulatory functions of the Commission.’’

Also speaking Abubakar Malami, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration was committed to tackling electoral fraud and violence through the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission.

Malami who was represented by Juliet Ibekaku, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Ethics and Justice, added that the government was already working with the 9th National Assembly with a view to ensuring an early passage of amendments to the Electoral Act and the Election Offences Commission Bill into law.

The Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Clement Nwankwo, said the objective of the event was to discuss the current state of the electoral environment in the country.

READ: INEC: Those Willing to Vote in Bayelsa And Kogi Governorship Polls Had Opportunity to Do So

Nwankwo also said it is aimed at making recommendations and suggestions that would improve the political and electoral process in Nigeria.

“We believe INEC has the responsibility to be a key driver of the much-needed change in the electoral sector,’’ he added.