The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has called on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to intensify their scrutiny of political parties and State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) to enhance democracy and improve electoral processes in Nigeria.
Prof. Yakubu made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during a visit from a coalition of CSOs, known as the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR), led by its convener, Mallam Yunusa Z. Ya’u, to the INEC headquarters.
Commending the civil society’s role in advancing democratic processes and election management in Nigeria, Prof. Yakubu emphasised that more involvement from CSOs is necessary to ensure all stakeholders are dedicated to strengthening democracy.
“Despite INEC’s efforts, challenges persist if other actors do not adhere to the rules. The civil society has been crucial in driving positive changes in the electoral process. However, there are instances where civil society’s attention is lacking in certain aspects of elections,” Yakubu said.
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He highlighted the critical role of credible party primaries, noting that flawed primaries adversely affect the entire electoral process.
Yakubu also questioned why there is a lack of scrutiny from civil society regarding local government elections conducted by SIECs, where the ruling party’s candidates often win unchallenged.
Team Leader Mallam Yunusa Z. Ya’u affirmed the NCSSR’s commitment to supporting INEC in consolidating democracy and conducting fair elections. Additionally, he urged political parties to adhere to electoral rules and discourage actions that undermine the process.
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