2023: INEC Chairman Speaks On Joining Presidential Race

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Yakubu Mahmood has distanced himself from the report linking him to the 2023 presidential race.

Mahmood noted that he has no intention to purchase the N100 million presidential nomination and expression of interest form of the All Progressives Congress.

The INEC Chairman in a statement released through his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Yekanmi said Mahmood remains an umpire committed to free, fair and credible elections.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) had earlier stated that it would not be surprising if he picks the presidential form of the ruling party.

The association stated this while reacting to the presidential ambition of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

Mahmood while reacting to the presidential claim said, “Our attention has been drawn to innuendoes in certain quarters that Nigerians should not be surprised if the INEC Chairman joins the Presidential race or urges him to do so. It is a preposterous proposition. It will not happen.

“The Chairman remains an umpire committed to free, fair and credible elections.

“His constitutional responsibilities as the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation and Returning Officer for the presidential election are onerous enough for him to even contemplate straying into extraneous matters at variance with the law, morality and his principles.

“The Chairman will continue to discharge his responsibilities without affection for, or ill will against, any political party or candidate.”