The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured residents of Sokoto State that Saturday’s National Assembly supplementary election will be free, fair and credible. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday at the party secretariat, INEC National Commissioner for the election, Modibo Alkali, said the exercise in Sokoto would be one of the best in the country. He emphasized that all parties and their agents must adhere to the rules of the game, stressing the commission’s commitment to supporting democratic processes.
Alkali warned that the commission would not waiver its responsibility to do what is necessary to avoid confusion and safeguard against issues and misunderstandings. “Parties should ensure that only one agent or representative is assigned to each polling unit,” he said. “We do not want to experience any loss of life or bloodletting, as we witnessed some disruption at certain polling units during the last exercise.”
Flanked by Acting REC Barrister Hauwa Kangiwa and other senior INEC officials, Alkali urged party leaders and stalwarts to educate their supporters and members to conduct themselves peacefully during the election. He reiterated that INEC remains a neutral body and confirmed that security agencies are working in synergy to provide the needed security throughout the exercise. “We are holding a second leg of such a meeting with all security agencies to harmonise measures towards a successful supplementary election in the state,” he added.
Representatives of all registered political parties in Sokoto who attended the meeting pledged to abide by the rules of the game.
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