By Oluwafikunayo Joseph
Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has reiterated the commission’s dedication to ensuring a seamless and transparent Edo governorship election.
Prof. Yakubu reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of electoral integrity, promising a free, fair, and inclusive process that exceeds expectations. He emphasized the commission’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence.
During a press conference in Lagos, where 10 new Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) were inducted, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu addressed concerns about the recent flood at the Edo State INEC office. He reassured the public that the incident would not impact the upcoming governorship election, promising a smooth and hitch-free process.
Yakubu’s remarks aimed to alleviate fears and ensure confidence in the electoral body’s preparedness to deliver a credible and seamless election.
He said “Despite the unfortunate flooding at our Edo State office, which damaged over 4000 machines, our technical team has successfully recovered over 3500 of them. While this is an off-cycle election, we will supplement our resources by requesting support from nearby states, ensuring an adequate supply of machines. We are confident in our ability to recover fully from the flood’s impact in Edo and guarantee a seamless election process without any hurdles.”
Prof. Yakubu also charged the newly inducted Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to immerse themselves in the Commission’s processes and procedures, ensuring a thorough understanding of their roles.
The 10 inducted RECs, who will oversee elections in various states, are:
Mr. Abubakar Dambo (Kebbi State),Mr. Abubakar Ma’aji-Ahmed (Borno State),Dr. Anugbum Onuoha (Edo State), Mr. Ehimeke Shaka-Isha (Akwa Ibom State),Mr. Aminu Idris (Kaduna State),Mr. Mohammed Sadiq Abubakar (Kwara State),Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola (Ondo State),Dr. Olubunmi Omoseyindemi (Ekiti State),Alhaji Shehu Wahab (Nasarawa State) and Sir Etekamba
Umoren (Delta State).
These individuals will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of future elections in their respective states.