We’ll Conduct 2019 Polls In Compliance With Existing Laws

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it was moving ahead with its preparation for next year’s general elections, in compliance with exiting laws that are presently valid and in place.

INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said this on Wednesday at a national peace conference on 2019 general elections organised by Youngstar Development Initiative with support from the National Democratic Initiative.

Mr Yakubu, who was represented by National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee Festus Okoye, said the commission would not be distracted by the rancour between the Presidency and National Assembly over the new electoral bill.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had again recently refused to assent to the new electoral bill.

The INEC boss stated that the commission is fine-tuning its processes and procedures to ensure it delivered a good election next year, urging registered political parties, their candidates and supporters to place national interest over their own personal interest.

He said: “As a commission, we are fine-tuning our processes and procedures towards delivering good elections in 2019. The commission is focused and will conduct an election that the Nigerian people will be proud of. But that election has to be and must be conducted under a very peaceful environment.

“The commission is not bothered and will not be distracted by the hue and cry over certain issues and decisions taken by the President and the National Assembly. The commission is focused on organising the 2019 elections using the extant laws, using the laws that are valid as at today and we will not be distracted.

“We urge all registered political parties, their candidates and their supporters to place the national interest over their own personal interest.”

Mr. Yakubu further said INEC has constituted a committee to oversee the situation room and collation centres.

But he expressed concern over the safety and security of corps members and other officials who would work during the election.