The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern of the integrity of election observer groups ahead of the Edo and Ondo State governorship elections.
The electoral body noted that while there are quite a number of trustworthy, honest, objective, hardworking and credible observer groups, there were others who have continued to display laxity about election observation and have cared less about integrity of the entire process.
Against this background, the commission threatened to withdraw the accreditation of any election observer at any stage of the election process, if it is established that it violates the Code of Conduct for observers.
The National Commissioner and Chairman, Election and Party Monitoring Committee (EPMC), Sam Olumekun gave the warning on Wednesday in Abuja at the pre-election workshop with election observers on Edo and Ondo governorship elections slated for 21st September and 16th November, 2024.
He stated: “I need to however bring to your attention that your accreditation may be withdrawn at any stage of the election process, if it is established that your organisation is violating the Code of Conduct for observers as contained in the Guidelines for Election Observation available on INEC website.
“Again, you are to be reminded that the accreditation of your organisation to observe the elections is without financial obligations on the Commission.”
“Another serious issue with election observation which has been of concern to the Commission is the issue of integrity in Election observation.
“While there are quite a number of trustworthy, honest, objective, hardworking and credible observer groups in the Country and who have contributed greatly to deepening democracy and the electoral process in Nigeria over the years, there are still others who have continued to display laxity about election observation and have cared less about integrity of the entire process.”
Olumekun said the training workshop was to enable accredited observer groups to be well acquainted with the online processes of uploading field observers, the functionality of BVAS, codes of conduct of election observation, election day processes and procedures as well as other operations, innovations and preparations of the Commission towards the forthcoming elections.
He noted that as accredited observer groups, they would be allowed access to observe all the election processes as outlined in the Commission’s Reviewed Regulations and Guidelines for the conduct of elections.