INEC Assures Nigerians That Their Votes Will Count

Independent National Electoral Commission chairman Mahmood Yakubu assured Nigerians that their votes will count on Saturday, February 25.

Yakubu made this statement on Wednesday as parties and candidates signed a peace deal.

Candidates from various political parties running for president signed a second peace accord organized by a peace commission led by Abdulsalami Abubakar.

In attendance were presidential candidates of the Labour Party, Peter Obi; the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar; the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu; the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore; and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, among others.

The INEC chairman noted that the commission is set to hold the elections, adding that the commission had commenced the movement of sensitive materials to the various local government areas nationwide.

Yakubu also added that election campaigns end Thursday midnight.

He said, “The signing of the Peace Accord today comes at a critical moment in the electoral calendar. Campaign for presidential and National Assembly elections ends at midnight tomorrow, Thursday, 23rd February 2023. Election will hold on Saturday this week. INEC is ready.

“This morning, we commenced the movement of sensitive materials to the various Local Government Areas nationwide. By Friday, we will activate the Registration Area Centres so that at first light on Saturday, Polling Units will open on time.

“The commission is committed to free, fair and credible elections in compliance with the electoral legal framework and the letter and spirit of the Peace Accord. All political parties and candidates are hereby reassured of the Commission’s neutrality. Above all, Nigerians should feel confident that their votes will count.”

Yakubu urged “political parties and their candidates to abide by the letter and spirit of the accord.”