The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has stated it is not “under any illusion about the further fine tuned its operations and processes for optimal performance” in the July 16 governorship election in Osun State as well as the 2023 General Elections in the country.
This was disclosed on Wednesday by Chairman, Board of Electoral Institute, Professor Abdullahi Abdu Zuru at the Pre-election Survey Methodology Workshop held at Osogbo.
Professor Zuru, who was duly represented by Honourable Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State, Professor Abdulganiy Olayinka Raji said the Commission is aware of the heated situations of things due to the incoming gubernatorial election.
According to Professor Raji, the Commission has made tremendous progress in drastic reduction of some election and electoral malpractices such as rigging, overstuffing of ballot boxes, over bloating ballot register, special treatment of voters and election officials, distortion or doctoring of results, disappearance or destruction of ballot box among other anomalies.
Professor Raji said that although every electoral atmosphere has its peculiar, experience has however indicate the relevance of electoral legal framework.
“All these are things of the past as a result of research, in-depth discussions and innovations that emanated from this kind of events as organized by the Commission at various levels.
“Due to the peculiarities of our dear country Nigeria, the Commission still has a whole lot to deal with to ensure that our electoral processes are free of malpractices and issues that could jeopardize our collective efforts as Umpire. Some of the critical issues as peculiar to Osun State can be identified as the use of thuggery during electioneering campaigns and election processes, identification and evaluation of difficult terrains, excessive monetization of politics in general, a “winner takes all” philosophy pervasive among the political and voter apathy especially in urban areas such as Osogbo, Ife, Ilesa, Ede among others.” Professor Raji said.
He furthermore said that the Commission brought the Workshop to the fore so as to equip its field agent with the requisite knowledge and skills needed.
