Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has admitted irregularities in the conduct of the February 25th National Assembly elections in Sokoto state.
The national commissioner deployed to supervise the forthcoming Gubernatorial and state Assembly Elections retired Major General Modibbo Alkali, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting Wednesday in Sokoto. He said it was the anomalies that resulted in the removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state among other things made during the said Eleçtion in Sokoto state. He assured to strengthen the system, correct anomalies and ensure a transparent election in the coming March 11 Governorship and State Assembly elections.
He noted that some stipulated election guidelines, improper use of the Biomodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and violence have marred the Feb. 25 election and assured better and more transparent future elections.
” INEC considered all the abnormalities and suspended February 25th NASS elections in Sokoto state.
” You can see non of the National Assembly member from Sokoto state was issued with a certificate of return at INEC Headquarters in Abuja.
” The Electoral umpire is reviewing the whole activity, with a view to correct and rectify all the anomalies and give the election all the credibilities needed for equity and justice. ” Alkali stated. He said security agencies were fully conducted to safeguard peoples lives during the exercise and urged political parties as well as other stakeholders to support INEC in conducting hitch-free elections.
He reiterated INEC’s neutrality and unbiased position in conducting free, fair and transparent elections and enjoined Nigerians especially youths against engaging in all types of violence and election malpractices.
At the meeting, heads of different political parties have ventilated thier grievances and presented areas that they need INEC to adjust in the coming elections.
Our correspondent reports that no fewer than 471 polling units were disrupted due to violence during Presidential and National Assembly elections across Sokoto state.
