Edo/ Ondo Polls: No observation reports, no future accreditation, INEC charges  CSOs 

By David Lawani, Abuja

Following the quarterly consultative meeting of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, its national chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu has told Civil Society Organisations, CSOs to submit the observation reports or risk disapproval from covering future elections.

Yakubu made this known during its meeting with the CSOs held at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja noting that it will no long accept the request for approval if the civil society Organisations failed to comply and turn in their reports which the commission said has assisted it in no small measures.

The INEC Chairman noted further that some of the reforms the commission has introduced over the years have been due to the recommendations arising from the observations reported submitted by the CSOs.

” I want to reassure you that INEC will continue to partner with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). We appreciate the observations and recommendations contained in your election observation reports. Some of the reforms and innovations introduced by the Commission over the years draw from your observation reports.

” However, while many of you have submitted your reports, some accredited observers are yet to do so for the general election, supplementary elections, off-cycle elections, bye-elections and re-run elections”, he stated.

Continuing, INEC Boss noted that in Edo State 18 Political Parties conducted their primaries monitored by the Commission stressing that going by the provision of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election, Political Parties have 20 days from 4th March 2024 to upload the list and personal particulars of their candidates to the Commission’s dedicated web portal.

” As at this morning, eight Parties have done so. We expect the other Parties to do so before the deadline of 6pm on 24th March 2024 when the portal automatically shuts down. Thereafter, the Commission will publish the personal particulars of the candidates (Form EC9) on 31st March 2024 for public scrutiny as required by law.

” Turning to Ondo State, Political Parties will commence their primaries for the Governorship election in the next two weeks. Sixteen Political Parties have indicated interest in participating in the election.

” I urge Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to engage with Political Parties and observe their primaries just as you engage with INEC and deploy observers to the main election conducted by the Commission. By doing so, you will strengthen your advocacy for inclusivity for groups such as women, youths and Persons with Disability (PwD) that are under-represented in elective offices at National and State level”, he noted.