Politics

The Independent National Electoral Commission has released the 2023 general elections report.

Its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

The report was released almost a year after the 2023 general elections.

Some Nigerians had expressed disappointment over the delayed uploads of the presidential election results to the INEC result viewing portal.

However, Olumekun said the election report was reviewed and approved for publication at the commission’s weekly meeting held on Thursday.

He noted that the publication was done in keeping with the commission’s tradition over the last four electoral cycles, and its commitment to transparency.

Olumekun said the “comprehensive 526-page document, structured into 13 chapters and enhanced with 60 tables, 14 boxes, and 10 graphs, offered an in-depth analysis of the election’s key processes, achievements, and challenges, along with valuable lessons learned.”

Giving more insights, the national commissioner stated “The report showcases the election’s unparalleled diversity in party representation, demonstrating significant democratic progress.

“This election saw four political parties winning gubernatorial races, seven parties winning senatorial seats, eight in federal constituencies, and nine in state legislatures, illustrating a broad shift in political representation across Nigeria.

“The report underscores the pivotal role of technological advancements, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, in enhancing electoral integrity and reducing fraud.

“Furthermore, it addresses public concerns about the INEC Result Viewing  portal, explaining the technical issues encountered during the upload of polling unit results for the presidential election.”

He added that other aspects covered in the report include logistics, security arrangements, staff recruitment and training, inclusivity measures, and the electoral framework,” he said.

Olumekun further stated that the  commission would welcome feedback to inform future electoral reforms and improvements.

Punch/ Adebukola Aluko

News

As the nation prepares for next month general elections, the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has urged politicians to embrace peaceful electioneering strategies.

Governor Adeleke stated this while receiving leaders from Osun state who paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Osogbo.

He says, in a statement by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, condemned the increasingly disruptive nature of campaigns in some areas of the state, particularly the vandalization of billboards and posters.

While calling on politicians and their supporters to remain peaceful, Governor Adeleke urged them to imbibe the culture of a harmonious campaign devoid of thuggery and untoward activities.

“Election is not and should not be taken as war”. An election is about the people exercising their voting rights. Our jobs as political leaders are to market our programmes and candidates, to convince voters to accept us. It is out of order to propagate and employ violence as an electioneering tool”.

“I particularly condemn the increasing vandalization of campaign posters and billboards ahead of the elections. I was a victim during the last governorship election. Politicians should know that the people are the ultimate decider of their leaders”. 

The Governor directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute anybody caught destroying candidates’ billboards and posters irrespective of party affiliations, which he said would restore sanity, law and order in the electoral process.

Funmi Adekoya

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