INEC Engages Youth-based Groups In North-East, Rules Out Possible Postponement of 2023 Elections
….says Commission has received adequate financial backing to deliver credible polls
By Chima Azubuike
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has ruled out possible postponement of 2023 general elections in Nigeria, adding that it has required resources for smooth conduct of polls.
Speaking on Saturday, Aminu Isah, Head of Operations of Gombe INEC made this disclosure during the discussion segment of an engagement with youth focused groups in the North-East, with the theme; making your votes count..consolidating democracy.
Our Correspondent reports that the engagement was part of the Commission’s drive at sensitising youths especially corps members, religious and civil society groups.
Isah revealed that unlike previously INEC has received the needed resources that would smoothen the electoral processes.
According to him, “The 2023 election will be the best election to be conducted from inception, INEC has got all it funds ahead of the election. There will not be any possible postponement of 2023 election, unlike the 2019.”
On Permanent Voters Card collection, he revealed that collection has commenced in earnest, “All the states have received the last tranche of the printed PVCs for those that have registered.”
Also Speaking, Gombe State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ibrahim Umar, who represented National Commissioner in charge of Taraba, Gombe and Adamawa States Dr. Baba Bila, said the Commission has received non-sensitive materials and some sensitive materials including BVAS in readiness of the election.
Bila stated that the youth population constitutes over 50 per cent in the country, stressing that their involvement is important.
He said, “INEC is fully prepared to conduct free, fair, timely and all inclusive election come 2023. Head of Operations has ready told you that most of the non-sensitive materials we have already received them and among sensitive materials we have received full complement of BVAS. By the grace of God we are not going to have any hitches.”
On his part, Head of Department Public Administration Gombe State University (GSU), Dr. Umar Adamu, cautioned the youth not to be dismayed by politicians who use money to win elections.
He revealed that money politics always determined winners of primary elections in Nigeria, stressing that it should not be so.
“The youth is an important segment of the society. Unfortunately, politics is a business where people bring their money to multiply returns,” Adamu added.
A Youth Advocate and Team Lead of DandalinMatasa Initiative for Rapid Development Bashama Yusuf, urged the youth to take opportunity of the not too young to run, calling on them to support those with workable programmes for their optimal development.
Also, State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Adaline Waye Patari, commended INEC for the effort geared towards sensitising the youth.
She noted that residents should be made to realise that they have the right to make their electoral choices without hindrance.
