100 days to elections: INEC charges parties on peaceful campaigns

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged political parties and their leaders to conduct their campaigns peacefully, eschew divisiveness, rancour and violence.

INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, gave the advice on Tuesday night in a “special message” to political parties and Nigerians.

• World’s population hits 8 billion
• Privatisation council okays governance framework for $3bn hydropower plant

He noted that by Wednesday (today) it would be exactly 100 days until the presidential and National Assembly elections, billed to take place on Saturday, February 25, 2023.

“Once again, another general election is upon us, the 7th since the restoration of democracy in Nigeria in 1999. Over the last 23 years, we have made steady progress in the twin areas of electoral reform and election administration.

“Although a lot of work still lies ahead, it is generally acknowledged that our elections are getting better and citizens’ confidence in the process is increasing.

“As I have said repeatedly, the commission’s allegiance is to Nigeria. Our loyalty is to Nigerians who want free, fair, credible and verifiable elections supported by technology, which guarantees transparent accreditation and uploading of polling unit results for citizens to view in real-time on election day,” Yakubu said.

He said the commission will soon commence bi-weekly media briefings followed by weekly briefings to update Nigerians on the preparation for the 2023 polls.

He urged all citizens to participate fully in all electoral activities, particularly the ongoing display of the register of voters for claims and objections, as well as the collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs).

“We will continue to play our part diligently and conscientiously. We appeal to all stakeholders and, above all, citizens to play their own part so that, working together, we can have the elections that Nigerians yearn for, and which the world expects from us,” he said.