CurrentReport Blog In a recent development, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), boldly stated that Nigeria no longer operates within the confines of traditional election seasons. Speaking at the inaugural Quarterly Consultative Meeting with Media organizations in Abuja, Yakubu emphasized the need for continuous vigilance against fake news and misinformation surrounding the Commission and its operations.
Yakubu stressed the Commission’s commitment to transparency, citing openness as the most potent weapon against the proliferation of false narratives. He expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts between INEC and the media, highlighting the invaluable role of media executives in providing insightful reports and analyses on electoral processes.
Highlighting the ongoing preparations for the off-cycle Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, Yakubu underlined the urgency of the situation. With just six months until the Edo State Governorship election and eight months until the Ondo State Governorship election, Yakubu underscored the significance of timely briefings to stakeholders.
Furthermore, Yakubu announced that on March 31st, 2024, INEC will publish the personal particulars of candidates (Form EC9) as mandated by law. This publication serves as a crucial opportunity for the media and the public, especially registered voters in Edo State, to scrutinize the credentials and background of candidates rigorously.
Shifting focus to the upcoming Governorship election in Ondo State, Yakubu revealed that political parties are gearing up for their primaries within the next two weeks. Notably, 17 out of 19 parties have expressed interest in participating in the election, indicating a diverse and competitive electoral landscape.
