2019 elections: on Tuesday INEC reacts as Nigeria’s Civil Society releases damning report

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will ensure that free, fair and credible elections are conducted in Nigeria at all times.

This was contained in a statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, in reaction to the 2019 election report released on Tuesday by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room.

The coalition had lamented that the conduct failed to meet the minimum standards for acceptable polls.

The report of the umbrella body of civil society organizations in the country, presented by Clement Nwankwo, the Convener, read in part: “The 2019 general elections did not meet the threshold for free, fair and credible elections.

“There were differences between the number of accredited voters and the total number of votes cast in many Polling Units. The Independent National Electoral Commission operations fell short of its identified role.

“Military involvement in the 2019 general elections were outside of the limits allowed by law.

“There are questions about the role played by the executive as well as other state institutions, such as the military and the security services and their negative effect on the credibility of the elections in Nigeria.

“The 2019 elections were supposed to be a consolidation of the gains made in 2015. Instead of this happening, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room’s observation of the polls reveal serious shortcomings that questioned the credibility of the exercise.”

But the INEC chairman’s spokesman assured that the commission would study the reports released by the national and international observers.

According to him, INEC is conscious of its responsibilities and expectations of all Nigerians.

“In line with its commitment to improving the electoral system, the Commission has just completed its internal review process and will harvest all the recommendations from this and other Observer Reports with a view to deepening democracy in Nigeria.

“The Commission is conscious of its responsibilities and expectations of all Nigerians and is determined to ensure that free, fair and credible elections are conducted at all times,” he said.