2023: INEC Chairman Speaks About Compromising Elections

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu has come out to speak on issues that can compromise the forthcoming general election if not curbed.

According to Yakubu, with the recent consistent attacks on the facilities of the commission in various parts of the federation, elections might be compromised at the polls next year.

Naija News reports that the INEC boss made this pronouncement in Abuja on Friday while addressing the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee Investigating the Attacks on Offices and Facilities of INEC.

Yakubu, while explaining the effect of attacking its offices ahead of the 2023 general election to the committee said if the attacks are not curbed, the commission would lack time to recover which can affect elections.

The INEC chair reteirated that even though the commission is determined to conduct free, fair and credible elections, the continuous attacks on its facilities pose great threats to its preparedness.

His reaction follows the recent persistent attacks on INEC facilities in some states like Imo, Enugu, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, and Bayelsa by hoodlums.

Yakubu, however, vowed that INEC would continue its preparation for the 2023 general elections despite attacks on its facilities.

He submitted that “However, should such attacks continue at the pace at which they are happening at the moment, the Commission may find it increasingly difficult to recover in good time for the election.

“If it is about stopping the attacks, yes we can recover, but if the attacks continue, it would be very difficult for the Commission to recover.

“The attacks have far-reaching implications on preparation for the general elections. First, the facilities that are destroyed, especially offices, would take time to rebuild.”