Osun 2022: INEC Boss calls for neutrality from Staff members
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has told staff involved in Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State to stand by the oath of neutrality they swore to and ensure the success of the election.
In a statement on Friday, Yakubu charged those involved in the election to uphold INEC’s Code of Conduct and display a sense of commitment and professionalism.
Fifteen parties are involved in the election, which pundits have narrowed to a two-horse race between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Yakubu urged them to remain legitimate and firmly resist unethical behaviour.
“The people of Osun State and Nigerians will understandably hold us to our promise on election day. They will observe our attitude and behaviour from the opening to the closing of polls.”
“They will particularly observe our management of the election results and measure the extent of our adherence to the extant laws through every stage of the electoral process,” Yakubu said.
He recalled that precisely 27 days ago, INEC conducted and concluded the Ekiti Governorship Election, widely adjudged as free, fair, credible, and inclusive.
According to him, the feat elongated the earlier successes recorded in Edo and Ondo states on September 15 and October 10, 2020, and in Anambra State on November 6, 2021.
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He said, “The sheer determination, resilience, and competence displayed by all of you, our staff members, made it possible for the commission to achieve these lofty goals.
“As you know, the Osun State Governorship election will hold on Saturday. I have assured our stakeholders and the people of Osun State that the commission will do nothing to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate.
“We have made adequate arrangements for the election. We have promised a level playing field for all. The security agencies have assured us of safety.”
TodayNews/S.O