INEC To Nigerians: Phones Are Not Allowed In Voting Cubicles

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its stand on the use of mobile phones in voting cubicles during the conduct of the 2023 general election.

Naija News reports that the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said smartphones would be prohibited during voting and that Nigerians are urged to report any cases of such by unscrupulous members of the public.

The INEC boss made the clarification in Abuja on Monday during a Stakeholders Summit it organised to address the influence of money on the 2023 general elections.

Yakubu said the ban on cellphones at voting cubicles is still in force, and that the commission has for some time now reorganised polling units so that ballot boxes are placed next to the voting cubicles to forestall the practice.

While speaking on vote trading, the INEC boss noted that determiners in the fight against vote-buying include financial institutions, religious organisations, traditional institutions, the media, civic bodies, and above all citizens.

He submitted that “Citizens must reject inducements to sway their votes through vote-buying. They must also engage effectively in stopping the negative use of money in our electoral process generally by reporting cases to INEC and other agencies. In addition, CSOs should make this a major plank of both their pre-election and election observation activities.

“Let me seize this opportunity to remind the public that the ban on cellphones at voting cubicles is still in force. We have for some time now reorganised our polling units so that ballot boxes are placed next to the voting cubicles to forestall the practice of unscrupulous voters showing their marked ballot papers to vote-buyers.

“We appeal to voters to draw the attention of our polling officials whenever they observe that these basic rules are not complied with. Let me once again reassure Nigerians that we are determined to ensure a solid election management system and a legacy of credible elections in Nigeria. We believe that every conscientious Nigerian wants us to do so.”

Yakubu pointed out that INEC would continue to evolve measures to forestall the menace of vote-buying while giving the assurance that the commission’s loyalty remains to the citizens alone.

Present at the summit were representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, media organisations, civil society organisations, and the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC).