By G9ija
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to conducting credible and transparent elections in Nigeria.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, gave the reassurance during a meeting with the Commonwealth Election Observer Mission to Nigeria, led by former South African President, Thabo Mbeki, at INEC headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
”INEC understands the enormous benefits of conducting credible elections, not just in Nigeria but the African continent.
“Election in Nigeria is huge and we understand. As I said, the responsibility rests on our shoulders.
“We also understand the benefits of credible elections. It will not only bring peace and good governance to our country but the positive effects on our sub-region.
Yakubu also took the opportunity to express his appreciation for the mission’s contributions to the development of Nigeria’s electoral system.
Prof. Yakubu noted that Nigeria had benefitted greatly from the Commonwealth’s through the implementation of recommendations in its reports on Nigeria’s previous elections.
“We have benefited from your previous election observation reports. So many of the innovations introduced over time are benefited from your observation reports” He said.
He stated that INEC looked forward to receiving the mission’s robust reports, which will help to identify areas for improvement and further strengthen the country’s electoral process.
Mbeki expressed confidence that Nigeria would achieve credible and successful elections.
“This is the seventh election since independence. Nigeria is a very important country with huge impacts on itself and on the continent.
“So, it is always very important that as commonwealth we should come and be with you as you hold these important elections and to observe same.
“Of course, we come very hopeful and very confident that we will have successful elections, peaceful elections and intrusive elections and at the end hopefully there will be no complaints,” Mbeki said.