The CHAIRMAN of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has revealed that available data indicates that voters in Nigeria are 16.7 million more than in the rest of West Africa.
Yakubu said this at Chatham House in London, United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday, January 17.
The INEC president spoke about the preparations for the 2023 general elections.
“According to figures compiled from West African electoral commissions and home ministries, Nigeria’s current voter population is 16.7 million more than the 76.7 million registered in all other countries combined, and there are 14 other elections in the subregion,” he said. saying.
“This means that a general election in Nigeria is like running an election in all of West Africa and beyond.”
Yakubu also dismissed speculation that there are plans to postpone or cancel the elections scheduled for February 25 and March 11.
“We will go ahead to conduct the elections as scheduled. We can overcome the challenges and ensure that the elections continue to improve,” he said.
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Speaking about the adoption of technology for the ballot box, the INEC chief added: “We know that political actors often try to undermine the process by attacking the technology, casting doubt on its suitability, circumventing its use or even trying to undermine its security.
“This informed the early election of a new voter accreditation technology, using an electronic device called the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System.”
He urged voters to avoid vote buying, for free, fair and credible elections.
Stories with blows that hold the powerful accountable. His determination to speak out against corruption and influence the conversation in Nigeria, the surrounding region and the continent inspires him.
