The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, convened a crucial meeting with the chairpersons of various political parties to discuss election preparations for the upcoming governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo States. The meeting aimed to provide a platform for parties to express concerns, observations, and ensure a transparent electoral process.
The INEC Chairman emphasized the importance of collaboration between the commission and political parties to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. The meeting centered on the roles and responsibilities that parties will undertake in the lead-up to the elections, including campaign guidelines, security arrangements, voter education, and monitoring the electoral process.
In a separate development, Muritala Ajaka, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State, issued an apology for his earlier claim that INEC intended to manipulate the election outcome in favor of a specific candidate. Ajaka acknowledged that his allegation was baseless and lacked supporting evidence. He expressed regret for making such inflammatory statements and reaffirmed his confidence in INEC’s commitment to implementing electoral reforms.
Apologizing publicly, Ajaka underscored the importance of promoting peaceful elections and urged all political actors to focus on issue-based campaigns and constructive dialogue to best serve the interests of the people.
With the INEC Chairman actively engaging political parties and the SDP candidate clarifying his earlier remarks, the stage is set for increased cooperation, transparency, and accountability in the preparations for the governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo States. The stakeholders involved are optimistic that these efforts will contribute to a smooth and credible electoral process, ensuring the will of the people is respected and upheld on election day.
