**INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu**
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently warned that the new naira policy could hinder its ability to mobilise workers and logistics, sparking fears that the 2023 general elections might be postponed. In exclusive interviews with our correspondent on Wednesday, major political parties urged INEC to adhere to the scheduled election dates of February 25 and March 11.
Resident Electoral Commissioner for the Federal Capital Territory, Yahaya Bello, raised concerns about the naira crisis during the North‑Central Stakeholders Round‑table on the 2023 general election, organised by the Centre for Transparency Advocate. His remarks triggered a heated debate among top political parties, all of which rejected the idea of adjusting the election timetable.
The Peoples Democratic Party, through Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi, acknowledged that cash shortages could affect poll planning and logistics but dismissed the possibility of a postponement. “This may affect planning and logistics, but postponement would not be logical for INEC because it is a critical government institution with inexhaustible avenues for mobilising cash resources for an election,” he said.
Similarly, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) National Chairman Victor Oye expressed confidence that INEC would secure the necessary funding. “We don’t foresee a postponement. The elections will hold as scheduled. INEC is a statutory commission; they can take care of themselves,” he asserted.
Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council member Yunusa Tanko suggested that, if INEC is serious about paying ad‑hoc workers, it should use traceable bank transfers. “It should be done in a way that people can access the transfer. That is the most important thing. If it is a transfer, let it be traceable. The new naira policy should not stop the election; rather, it should make it more credible. Of course, we know liquid cash cannot be accounted for,” he explained.
New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) Chief Spokesman Ladipo Johnson called for restraint, urging the electoral body to seek alternatives to cash payments. “If INEC feels that things cannot be done with cash, God knows what would happen. I think this calls for restraint and understanding, and for those running things to seek alternatives to cash for staff or ad‑hoc workers, if possible. At the moment, I don’t think the poll should be shifted, but we hope things don’t degenerate to that level,” he said.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), through Director of Media Bala Ibrahim, reiterated trust in INEC and warned against hastily changing the election calendar. “The party has done everything possible and will continue to meet INEC’s requirements. We would love a situation where everyone has access to their money, but we will not subscribe to an extension of the general elections. There is no reason to call for an extension,” he noted.
Finally, Social Democratic Party (SDP) National Chairman Shehu Gabam urged the public to hold the Federal Government accountable for its inaction on cash‑related challenges. “The executive arm has abdicated its role to complement INEC’s. INEC discussed cash issues with CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele because some areas are unbankable. INEC must be given cash to operate. If you deny it access, even after crediting its account, how will it function in areas that need cash for the election?” he said.
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