The Independent National Electoral Commission said it had learnt from the Edo State governorship election that a credible election would be possible in Nigeria with the cooperation of all stakeholders and high level of compliance with the extant electoral laws.
The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, stated these in an interview with THE PUNCH.
He expressed the commission’s gratefulness to the Oba of Benin, security agencies, civil society organizations, the media, National Peace Committee and development partners for their various roles which contributed immensely to the peaceful election in Edo.
Oiyekanmi said, “The most significant lesson that has emerged from the recently concluded Edo governorship election is that a free, fair, credible, conclusive and peaceful election is possible when all stakeholders cooperate with INEC in carrying out its mandate.
“When there is a high level of compliance with the extant electoral laws among all stakeholders, the outcome of an election will be credible and acceptable to all.
“Interestingly, the commission had always done all that it did before, during and after the Edo governorship election. We have always prepared very hard in all ramifications. We have always consulted with stakeholders. We have always worked with the security agencies under the auspices for the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
“The system of continuous accreditation and voting has not changed. The Permanent Voter’s Card and the use of the Smart Card Reader are still mandatory. We have continuously carried out voter education activities to educate the public on all our processes and procedures.
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