The Resident Electoral Commission of the Independent Electoral Commission of Nigeria in Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke has re-assured that outcomes of 2023 election would be determined by peoples votes as the recent and continuous technological improvement in the electioneering process will make it hard for any form of rigging.
Dr. Agboke who stated this during an interview shortly after featuring on an OSBC Current Affairs Program, The Nation Today said the Commission remains neutral and independent and would provide a level playing ground for all political parties and candidates in accordance with the electoral laws.
He said the commission has begun series of sensitization programmes and consultation to major stakeholders in order to ensure that the general election was hitch free, smooth and credible.
“It 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 a 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 tax payers’ 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 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.”
Speaking on the recent attack on one of its offices in Osun State, the new REC who described the act as unfortunate said the inferno did not affect any of its sensitive or insensitive materials,
He however warned any body or group of people who may be planning any other attack on its offices or facilities to steer clear from the act as the law enforcement agencies have been ordered to decisively deal.with anybody culpable of the act.
“I want to urge all parents to warn their children not to be used as instruments of destruction by politicians. 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 electorate is to vote for candidates of their choice. Any other plan to destabilize the process will not be tolerated,” said Dr. Agboke
