Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi polls: ‘Maintain Neutrality ahead upcoming Governorship Polls’ – INEC chairman Yakubu tells staff

As the Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi governorship elections draw near, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has charged the commission’s staff to uphold integrity and remain non-partisan as they prepare for the elections scheduled for November 11, 2023.

In a recent visit to Bayelsa and Imo States on November 2nd and 3rd, 2023, the INEC Chairman, accompanied by Hon. National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), reminded the staff that INEC is not affiliated with any political party and has no candidate in the forthcoming governorship elections.

He said INEC’s primary responsibility is to safeguard the people’s choice and ensure a credible electoral process.

Yakubu said, “INEC is not a political party and does not have a candidate in the November 11 Governorship elections, all we are going to do is to ensure that the people of Bayelsa and Imo States choose whoever they want to be their governors and our responsibility is to protect the people’s choice”.

Yakubu urged Electoral Officers (EOs) in both states to activate Registration Area Centres (RACs) promptly, ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections.

He also disclosed plans for refresher training on November 10, 2023, to reinforce the commitment to a fair and transparent election.

He met with members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICESS) in both states.

The meeting focused on assessing their readiness for the November 11 elections and discussed security measures to protect voters, election personnel, materials, collation centres, and transport providers.