We Conducted 2023 Polls Under Challenging Circumstances – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it conducted the 2023 general elections under challenging circumstances.

The commission, which spoke against the report of the European Union Observation Mission, which said the election fell short of expectations, disclosed that insecurity in some states prevented early deployment of personnel and materials.

INEC National Commissioner Festus Okoye, in a response to New Telegraph’s enquiry, also stated that “there were violent attacks on INEC staff, facilities, and materials.

“The crisis associated with PMS (premium motor spirit), the naira crisis and uncertainty in transportation issues affected the commission.”

Okoye who is Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, however noted that the conduct and management of the 2023 general election was an affirmation that the electoral process is on a steady march towards consolidation.

“The election underlines the fact that the Nigerian people are clearly and irrevocably committed to the democratic process. We must therefore renew our faith in the process,” he said.

He stated that despite challenging environment, the election recorded positives despite, stating that a new legal framework was used while so many new voters engaged the process.

“The BVAS used for voter accreditation and authentication performed optimally. In so many states, political walls collapsed, and a new order came into force,” he added.

Okoye said the challenging issues would be reviewed when INEC carry out internal review of the conduct and management of the elections on July 4.

“This will involve the commissions Resident Electoral Commissioners, Administrative Secretaries, electoral officers and collation/returning officers,” he said.