– The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been cautioned against further inconclusive elections
– A group, the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) said the recurring inconclusive elections in the country can longer be condoned
The chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu
The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Mahmood Yakubu is under fire for several inconclusive elections it has conducted so far.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, August 22, the new leadership of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) – a coalition of human rights and civil society organizations in Nigeria – said the recurring inconclusive elections in the country cannot be condoned.
TMG blamed this on the “chronic insecurity in the electoral space”.
The new chairperson of the group, Abiola Akiode-Afolabi said TMG is, ready to partner with other stakeholders to ensure the issue of inconclusive election is addressed.
Akiode-Afolabi further called on the electoral body to up its game come 2019.
“This task becomes the more urgent with the recent position of the chairman of INEC that the electoral umpire cannot guarantee the Nigerian people conclusive polls come 2019,” Akiode-Afolabi said.
“INEC has an important role to if we must address all inconclusiveness in the electoral process.
“TMG on my watch will provide the leadership required by Civil Society to engage the most fundamental issues facing the electoral process,” she said.
She said it is important to note that a review of Nigeria’s electoral law has become necessary follow the magnitude of impunity in the system.
Also speaking, the outgoing chairman of the group Ibrahim Zikirullahi highlighted achievements recorded by TMG.
He said these achievements are the road-map for a brighter future.
“I am thankful that by the grace of the almighty and the solidarity of individuals too numerous to mention, my tenure was able to achieve the reforms that would take TMG to greater heights.
“For the benefit of hindsight, the reforms include: a new amended 2015 TMG Constitution in tune with global best practices; TMG Five-year Strategic Plan titled “Redefining Relevance, Regaining Leadership” to provide a road map to guide us and our donors from 2013, leading the way up to 2018; and to address the absence of critical policy framework, we also put in place important policy documents and manuals to guide operations of TMG,” Zikirullahi s
Congratulating the new chair of TMG, Zikirullahi all staff and members of the group to accord her the necessary support for her to flourish creditably.
“At the helm of leadership that I am handing over our great coalition to, is an indefatigable Comrade of repute, a woman of great intellect and integrity who also has a real passion for service. She is none other than the consistent human/women’s rights advocate, and activist par excellence, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi.
“She is a personification of the wealth of knowledge, experience and innovative leadership, which our nation will benefit when more women step up to the stage of leadership.
“I therefore call on you to give this new TMG Board much more than the support you gave the past one. Doing so is patriotic service because the work we do as a coalition contributes immensely to national stability in our very challenged country.”
Since assuming office in October 2015, Mahmood as the chairman of INEC has witnessed several inconclusive elections in various states across Nigeria including: Abia, Imo, Rivers, Kogi states and many others.
This development is different from what was experienced during the tenure of the last INEC chairman Attahiru Jega.
