Ahead of the presidential election scheduled for today, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured the public of a swift conclusion to the electoral process. The commission acknowledged the anxiety surrounding the election but emphasized that the collation and announcement of results would be expedited. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made these remarks during a media briefing at the National Collation Center in Abuja on Friday. When asked about the timeline for announcing the election winner, Yakubu stated, “We will ensure that it is done speedily, but I can’t specify the exact number of days or hours it will take. However, it will be done quickly. We are aware of the anxiety and the need for us to conduct the process efficiently, so it will be concluded promptly.”
In response to concerns regarding the impact of naira scarcity on the election process, Yakubu explained that cash provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria had been distributed to the states and would be used for unbanked services. He clarified, “Not all our operations are paid for in cash. In fact, the majority of our procurement for work, goods, and services is conducted electronically. However, we do require a small amount of cash to pay for essential services rendered by unbanked individuals, particularly at the local level. We anticipated this challenge and engaged with the Central Bank of Nigeria, which assured us that they would make the necessary funds available for cash payments. They have fulfilled this promise, and our state offices have already accessed these funds for the election. This is why the movement of personnel and materials in the days leading up to the election has proceeded smoothly.”
Yakubu further emphasized that the electoral processes would not face significant obstacles, noting that only a minor aspect of their operations would require cash remuneration. Additionally, he addressed the recent death of the Labour Party’s Enugu East Senatorial candidate, stating, “It is important to remember that a party can replace its candidate if it wishes to continue participating in the election. I expect the party to conduct primaries as early as next week and submit the name of the new candidate to the commission. Logically, that candidate should also campaign ahead of the election, but the law is clear that campaigning for all elections must cease 24 hours before the election.”
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