Jigawa State: INEC Ready for Credible Elections

The electoral body also assured stakeholders of an enabling environment in the upcoming general election.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Muhammad Bashar, gave the assurance on Thursday during a stakeholders’ meeting on the commission’s readiness for the conduct of the general election.

‘The INEC, being a major stakeholder, is saddled with the onerous task of conducting a free, fair, credible and an all-inclusive election.

‘The meeting, therefore, underscores the important role the commission and stakeholders must play towards successful conduct of the election.

‘The meeting couldn’t have been more timely than now as the election would be conducted in less than two weeks.

‘As we are all aware, all eyes are on us worldwide to see how best we are going to discharge the civic duty bestowed on us by Nigerians.

‘The commission is doing everything within its power to ensure greater success by providing an enabling environment for the smooth and efficient conduct of the exercise.

‘The commission as an election management body in Jigawa state remains an unbiased umpire and resolute in creating a level playing field for all political parties and contestants as provided in the constitution of Nigeria, the electoral law and all election guidelines,’ he said.

A cross section of the participants, however, urged the commission to tackle vote buying and thuggery, among other electoral vices.

Representatives of political parties, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the media attended the meeting.