The new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
in Nigeria, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has promised to consolidate on the
gains of the commission by conducting credible elections.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday shortly after taking over the affairs of the
commission from its Acting Chairman, Mrs Amina Zakari, Professor Yakubu
assured Nigerians that the commission would be guided by the constitution
and the Electoral Act in the conduct of all elections.
“Mr President, we pledge our commitment to the discharge of our
responsibilities without fear or favour.
“Free, fair and credible election is at the heart of our nation’s progress
and stability. We shall not fail the nation,” he said.
Also speaking at the handing over ceremony, the former Acting Chairman
said the commission was already prepared for the conduct of the Kogi and
Bayelsa governorship elections.
During the swearing in of Professor Yakubu, President Buhari pledged to
respect the independence of the electoral body and promised to give the
commission all the support it may need.
The President said that a situation where people hide under technicalities
to deny the citizens their rights was unacceptable. He called on state
governments to make their electoral bodies work for the benefit of all.