Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, yesterday, took over for a second term as Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying the quick passage of the Electoral Act amendment would be a top priority.
President Muhammadu Buhari had on Wednesday at the Aso Rock Villa swore-in Yakubu at a brief ceremony. The Senate had on December 1, confirmed Yakubu’s nomination for a second term.
Yakubu said ahead of the 2023 general elections, the commission would undertake an audit of its voter register.
“Our work continues, the quick passage of the Electoral Act amendment is a top priority and you will recall that I appealed to the Senate Committee on INEC during my screening two weeks ago to conclude work for the passage of the Electoral Act amendment by the first quarter of next year.
“I am glad that in his response, the Senate president has assured the nation only Wednesday at the public hearing on the Electoral Act amendment that the National Assembly is committed to that target and is not only achievable but they will ensure that it is actualized.
“The immediate area of attention for the commission is the resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) also in the first quarter of next year and this will continue at least to six months to the 2023 general elections,” Yakubu said.
According to him, in due course, the commission would give details of other activities leading to the 2023 elections.
He said, “We have exactly 799 days to the next general elections holding on February 18, 2023. We have identified 1508 activities that we must accomplish between now and election in 2023. Some will be carried out simultaneously.”
