INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu reassured Nigerians and the international community that the upcoming elections will be free, fair, and credible. He made these statements after receiving the Commonwealth Election Observer Mission, led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki, at INEC headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
“INEC understands the enormous benefits of conducting credible elections, not just in Nigeria but across the African continent,” Yakubu said. “The election in Nigeria is huge, and the responsibility rests on our shoulders. Credible elections will bring peace and good governance to our country and have positive effects on our sub‑region. I want to assure you that we will never let Nigeria or the international community down.”
Yakubu also praised the Commonwealth Observer Mission’s contributions to Nigeria’s electoral system, noting that many innovations have resulted from the mission’s previous observation reports. “We have benefited from your earlier election observation reports. We do not take your observations lightly,” he added, expressing confidence that the mission’s forthcoming report on the 2023 general elections will be robust.
Earlier in his remarks, Mbeki explained that the mission was in Nigeria to observe the elections and produce a final report. He expressed confidence that the country would achieve credible, successful, and peaceful elections, saying, “This is the seventh election since independence. Nigeria is a very important country with huge impacts on itself and on the continent. As a Commonwealth, we should be present to observe these important elections. We come hopeful and confident that we will have successful, peaceful elections with no complaints.” He noted that the mission was at INEC headquarters to assess preparations and provide assistance to help the commission fulfill its mandate.
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