2023 Elections: We Left No Stone Unturned, Did Our Best — INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it left no stone unturned in the discharge of its duties during the just-concluded governorship and state assembly elections.

INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu who spoke at a briefing on Sunday in Abuja said the commission did its best in responding to difficult and unforeseen circumstances outside their control during the polls.

According to him, the commission's officials were also victims of violence as some were abducted, harassed, and intimidated, with one life lost.

Yakubu also revealed that the electoral body would address cases of voter inducement, harassment and manipulation of results.

“We have left no stone unturned as far as the processes and procedures under the control of the Commission were concerned.

“However, for difficult and unforeseen circumstances outside the Commission’s control, we did our best to respond, especially where processes were disrupted by actors over whom we have little or no control.

“Such diabolical behaviour did not only affect citizens but also impacted the Commission’s officials and processes.

“INEC staff, both regular and ad hoc were victims of violence.

“Some of our staff were abducted, harassed, intimidated, hospitalized and in one case killed. 

“Nevertheless, where we could not deploy to enable citizens to vote, the Commission took the decision to remobilize to such places to enable citizens to exercise their franchise.

“Unfortunately, we could not extend the same to areas where voting was disrupted, and election materials destroyed.

“We are keeping our eyes on those areas and would not hesitate to remobilize where the outcome of the election is affected.

“At the moment, collation of results and declaration of winners for the 28 Governorship and 993 State Assembly elections are ongoing nationwide.

“We are committed to the sanctity of the process and will not hesitate to take drastic measures against proven irregularities.

“Allegations of voter inducement, harassment and manipulation of results will be reviewed and addressed.”