Tobi Ijalana
Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has described Nigeria’s electoral process as being ‘problematic and confusing’.
Yakubu stated this when he spoke at the 12th National Delegates Conference of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria which took place in Jos, Plateau State capital.
Speaking at the event, the INEC chairman, was represented by the commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye.
He said: “Removing the names and logos of political parties and changing the names of parties’ candidates up until the eve of election, on account of court orders and pronouncements, is very problematic and confusing.
“This puts the electoral management body on edge, with a profound impact on the conduct of elections.”
According to the INEC boss, court orders affect printing of ballot papers and result sheets.
“When nominations are hazy and issues go to the courts, court judgments, orders and pronouncements affect procurement and the printing of ballot papers and result sheets.
“It is important to put in place a legal regime that allows for the disposal of all pre-elections matters at least 60 days before the elections,” he added.
