No going back on free, fair 2023 election – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has promised that the general election in 2023 will be free, fair, credible, and trouble-free.

This was stated by retired Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Alkali, INEC National Commissioner, on Wednesday in Abuja at the Cleen Foundation’s one-day national dialogue on the theme “Security Agencies and Nigeria’s 2023 Election.”

Alkali stated that the INEC was ready to carry out its mandate without fear or favor.

“I want to state clearly that the mission of INEC as established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is to serve as an independent and effective election management body capable of conducting free, fair, credible and all-inclusive elections for the sustainability of democracy.

“So, INEC doesn’t and will not waiver in conducting the 2023 general election and in this aspect we are very prepared,” he said.

The commissioner said that INEC Chairman and National Security Adviser were Co-Chairmen of the Inter-agencies Conservatory Committee on election to ensure that the conduct was violence-free.

“When these two leaders call for any meeting, information is sent down the line to the states and the security replica can be found in all the states of the federation.

“So INEC security and EOs are in all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, just like the local government chairmen and so also in this aspect, INEC will not waiver also but will deliver on its mandates,” he said.

He said that the commission was constantly getting information, gathering intelligence and synergising with security agencies and that so far, so good, the intelligence gathered was enough to assure Nigerians of a peaceful poll.