INEC Chair Describes 2023 Polls as Fair, Reflection of Multi-party Democracy

• Why we refrained from joining issues with observers, parties, others over elections outcome

• 427 lawyers volunteer to prosecute electoral offenders

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said despite the divergent opinions about the outcome of the 2023 general election, the overall outlook suggests that it was a fair reflection of a complex multi-party democracy. 

The Chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated this at a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja Tuesday.

He said the purpose of the meeting was to reflect on the just concluded 2023 general election, adding that the time has come for introspection, stocktaking, review and evaluation. 

The chairman said since the conclusion of the election, diverse opinions have been expressed by political parties, candidates, observers, analysts and the general public on the elections that took place in February and March. 

According to him, such diverse opinions should normally be expected, adding that the commission welcomes all of them insofar as their purpose is to improve the future conduct of elections and to consolidate the country’s democracy.

Yakubu stressed that the commission has consciously not joined in the commentaries in the immediate aftermath of the election for several reasons. 

His words: “First, our preference is to listen more and draw lessons rather than join in the heated and often emotive public discussion on the election. Second, since we plan to conduct our own review of the election, we see no need to pre-empt the process. 

“Third, the commission would not want to be seen as defensive or ‘justificatory’ in joining the ongoing discussions. Finally and perhaps most importantly, several issues around the election are sub-judice and it is not the intention of the commission to either undermine or promote the chances of litigants in the various election petition courts beyond what is required of us by the legal process.

“Indeed, practically anything coming from the commission could be cited by litigants as either justifying their claims or an indication of bias against them.”

Yakubu stated that in spite of the foregoing, it was appropriate at this point to make a few broad remarks about the 2023 general election as the commission commences its review.

The chairman maintained that compared to some previous elections, the 2023 general election was one of the most meticulously prepared for in recent times. 

He said learning from previous experiences, the commission started preparations immediately after the 2019 general election, carefully ticking the necessary boxes over a four-year period. 

Yakubu said it was the need to learn from both the positives and the shortcomings that makes the stocktaking the commission was  embarking on essential.

He explained that among the positive stories was that the security challenge, which threatened to derail the elections, did not materialise, while concerns that the polls would be disrupted by the perennial insecurity across the country fizzled out on election day as the elections were largely peaceful.

The chairman noted that despite currency and fuel challenges, as well as widespread attacks on its personnel and facilities nationwide, the commission proceeded with the elections as scheduled. 

He emphasised that the first set of elections, the Presidential and National Assembly, held as planned for the first time in the last four general election conducted in the country, while accreditation of voters using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has generally been scored very high by voters. 

Yakubu said the commission’s records showed that the success rate for BVAS accreditation stands at 98%, compared to the Smart Card Reader’s 29.2% during the 2019 general election. 

According to him, “Above all, despite the divergent opinions about the outcome of the election, the overall outlook suggests that it is a fair reflection of a complex multi-party democracy.”

Yakubu said while the commission  acknowledged that there were also some challenges, which were structural, infrastructural and human in nature, the electoral body was determined to address the challenges as it prepares for future elections.

He stated: “We are presently looking at all the evidence of infractions during the election, including the prosecution of offenders. We are looking at the activities of all actors involved in the election, including some of our high-ranking officials.  

“I can confirm that the Nigeria Police concluded their investigation on the conduct of our Resident Electoral Commissioner in Adamawa State and submitted the case file to us. Appropriate action will be taken in a matter of days and Nigerians will be fully informed.

“I can also confirm that we have received 215 case files from the Nigeria Police following their arrest and the conclusion of investigation into electoral offences arising from the 2023 general election. 

“We are working with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to prosecute the alleged offenders. Already, the NBA has submitted a list of 427 lawyers across the country who have volunteered to render pro bono services to the commission. They are not charging legal fees but by mutual agreement the commission will provide a token amount to cover for filing fees/expenses.

“Similarly, we are working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) on the prosecution of cases relating to vote buying and associated violations.”

Yakubu revealed that in the next few weeks, several internal debriefing meetings would be held, culminating in engagements with stakeholders.