By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) that it is mandatory to submit the reports of their observation duties during the elections, saying that it is sad that some accredited observers are yet to submit the reports for the 2023 general election, supplementary elections, off-cycle elections, bye-elections and re-run elections respectively.
This warning was given by the INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu during his opening remarks at the first quarterly consultative meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) for 2024 held on Wednesday at INEC Conference Room, Abuja.
According to him, while many of the CSOs have submitted their reports for the elections they observed, some accredited observers are yet to do so for the general election, supplementary elections, off-cycle elections, bye-elections and re-run elections.
Yakubu reminded the CSOs that since submission of reports is one of the conditions for eligibility to observe future elections, anyone that fails to play by the rule will no longer be accredited fir future elections.
Said he: ” I want to reassure you that INEC will continue to partner with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
We appreciate the observations and recommendations contained in your election observation reports. Some of the reforms and innovations introduced by the Commission over the years draw from your observation reports.
“However, while many of you have submitted your reports, some accredited observers are yet to do so for the general election, supplementary elections, off-cycle elections, bye-elections and re-run elections.
“May I therefore seize this opportunity to remind those that are yet to submit their observation reports that it is mandatory to do so being one of the conditions for eligibility to observe future elections.
“Going forward, the Commission will operate strictly on the policy of “No Observation Report, No Accreditation”.
Meanwhile, the INEC Chairman has urged the CSOs to engage with political parties and observe their primaries just as you engage with INEC and deploy observers to the maino election conducted by the Commission.
He also told them that 16 political parties have indicated interest in participating in the governorship primary election in Ondo state, pointing out that it will be nice for the CSOs to observe the primaries and to ensure the inclusion of and Persons with Disability (PwD).
“By doing so, you will strengthen your advocacy for inclusivity for groups such as women, youths and Persons with Disability (PwD) that are under-represented in elective offices at National and State level”, he said.
Speaking further Yakubu said: “As I have said on several occasions, there is no election season in Nigeria any longer. Elections are held all-year round between one general election and another. Our last quarterly meeting for the year 2023 was held on the eve of the three off-cycle Governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States.
“Last month, bye-elections and re-run elections were held across the country for National and State Assembly constituencies. Even today’s meeting is coming in the middle of increased activities for the forthcoming off-cycle Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States. As you are aware, the Edo Governorship election is holding on Saturday 21st September 2024 while that of Ondo State is scheduled for Saturday 16th November 2024.
“This means that we have just six months to the Edo State Governorship election and only eight months before the Ondo State Governorship election. It is therefore appropriate to brief you on preparations for the two Governorship elections. READ ALSO:
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“For Edo State, 18 Political Parties conducted their primaries monitored by the Commission. Going by the provision of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election, Political Parties have 20 days from 4th March 2024 to upload the list and personal particulars of their candidates to our dedicated web portal. As at this morning, eight Parties have done so. We expect the other Parties to do so before the deadline of 6pm on 24th March 2024 when the portal automatically shuts down. Thereafter, the Commission will publish the personal particulars of the candidates (Form EC9) on 31st March 2024 for public scrutiny as required by law”.
