INEC boss assures of credible elections in 2019
Prof Mahmoud Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has assured Nigerians that the electoral body would conduct a free, fair and inclusive general elections in 2019.
The INEC boss stated this at the National Consultation of Key Stakeholders on Women in Politics to adopt work plan for Gender Mainstreaming and Mitigation of Gender Based Violence During Elections organised by Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), in Benin City on Monday.
Prof. Yakubu, represented by Mrs. Blessing Obidegwu, Deputy Director, Gender Division, INEC Headquarters in Abuja used the occasion to appeal to all those who have not collected their Permanent Voters’ Cards to do so, and to take the opportunity of the ongoing collection of PVCs in the local government areas.
“Without your voters’ card, you will not be allowed to vote in 2019. If we will want to be part of that process, we must have the power now. The theme of today’s meeting is one that is dear to the commission as violence affects the integrity of any election.
“The commission is opened to collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that barriers that prevents women from active participating in elections are positively addressed.
“INEC is collaborating with development partners, including United Nations (UN) Women towards achieving the goals,” he said.
He hereby called on participants at the meeting to ensure that all violence against women in elections are addressed, adding that they should also proffer strategies towards mitigating them.
Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu, while declaring the event opened, called on women to take advantage of their numerical strength to participate in elections.
While he canvassed for the setting up of a tribunal to try electoral violence and other crimes during elections. Also, he called on the Commission to be involved in voters education before elections.
