Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has assured the international community that the commission would not compromise its integrity during the forthcoming general elections.
The INEC Boss spoke during a meeting with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mahamat Saleh Annadif at the Commission headquarters in Abuja.
Yakubu promised that the electoral umpire would always submit itself to the sanctity of votes cast by the Nigerians.
“Each time Nigeria conducts a general election is like a general election in the whole of West Africa.
“So, we appreciate the enormous responsibility the Commission is charged with.
“The election is both national and international; we have very good working relationship with strategic partners and allies in the country, we work very closely with the political parties, civil society organisations, media, security agencies in the country but at the same time we also work closely with our friends in the international community such as UNOWAS.
” So whenever you come on this kind of mission, we feel fully encouraged to continue to do what we need to do for the peace and stability of our sub-region.
“So, I want to assure you that we will continue to do what is right on the basis of the law, the ultimate choice is going to be made by Nigerians.
Nigerians will determine who they want in the 2023 general election and we will continue to uphold the choice made by Nigerians.
“I also want to assure you that we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that our election continue to get better and better and the democratic environment is increasingly consolidated.
We look forward to seeing you again before and during the election.”
