The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has vowed to hold sway despite distractions from politicians before, during and after the upcoming governorship elections holding in September 19 and October 10, 2020 both in Edo and Ondo states respectively.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this known while swearing in a new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ekiti, Dr. Tella Adeniran Rahmon, at the commission’s headquarters yesterday in Abuja.
According to Prof. Yakubu no amount of smear campaign would make the electoral umpire fail in conducting credible polls in both states.
Dr. Tella Adeniran Rahmon, an indigene of Osun state, was screened and confirmed by the Senate few months ago.
Prof. Yakubu who reacted to a statement credited to the Chairman of the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Media Campaign Council, John Mayaki and Colonel David Imuse (rtd) who accused Mr. Mike Igini the Akwa Ibom REC, of plots to allegedly rig the exercise in favour of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
They had alleged that the INEC official was reportedly being induced to tilt the outcome in favour of their rivals.
Prof. Yakubu pointed out that, such allegations were not new to his officials, stating that, “It was part of attempts to divert the commission’s attention from the onerous task of conducting elections in the country; but we will remain focused,” he said.
He also noted that, “The REC himself has responded to the allegations and has asked his lawyers to initiate legal action against the persons who made the statement, hence, the Commission will leave it at that, since the matter is likely to go to court. The Chairman also declared that no matter what happens, the commission will stand by their Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).”
He advised the new REC to respect all times the Electoral Act, guidelines and regulations of the commission, as well as the constitution of the country.
