The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has re-affirmed that the outcomes of 2023 general elections will be determined by the votes of the electorates.
The Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Mutiu Agboke disclosed this during an interview in Osogbo on Wednesday.
The REC said the Commission will remain neutral, independent and will provide a level playing ground for all political parties and candidates in accordance with the electoral laws.
He said; “It is just about 100 days to the general election and I want to assure you that the Commission is fully prepared. The recent attacks in Osun and Ogun would not affect the organisation from organizing credible, free and fair elections. No matter the attacks on INEC facilities, the commission would easily adjust and bounce back. The effect won’t be on INEC but we’re just wasting taxpayers’ money. This is where we need to think deep and be wise.’’
“I urge all politicians to go to people with good manifestoes. The era of election rigging is over. The vote will determine the election winner and there is no short-cut about that. Our politicians should also steer clear of vote buying because it’s a criminal offence. We all have roles to play to bring sanity into our political sphere and all arms should be on the deck to make Nigeria great.”
Agboke described the recent attack on one of the INEC offices in the State as unfortunate, stressing that the inferno did not affect any of its sensitive or insensitive materials.
The REC also warned any group or individuals planning any other attack on its offices or facilities to steer clear from the act as the law enforcement agencies have been instructed to decisively deal with anybody culpable of the act.
“We have resolved to crush anybody who makes any move to attack or destroy our facilities henceforth. What is important is for us to organize a credible platform for people to vote and the expectation from the electorate is to vote for candidates of their choice. Any other plan to destabilize the process will not be tolerated,” he stated.