The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says the consciously refused from joining issues with political parties, candidates, observers, analysts and the general public over the outcome of the 2023 elections.
The Chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated this on Tuesday at a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja.
He said the preference of the commission was to listen more and draw lessons rather than join in the heated and often emotive public discussion on the election.
Yakubu added: “Since we plan to conduct our own review of the election, we see no need to pre-empt the process.
“Third, the Commission would not want to be seen as defensive or justificatory in joining the ongoing discussions.
“Finally, and perhaps most importantly, several issues around the election are sub-judice and it is not the intention of the Commission to either undermine or promote the chances of litigants in the various election petition courts beyond what is required of us by the legal process.”
The chairman stressed that practically anything coming from the Commission could be cited by litigants as either justifying their claims or an indication of bias against them.
Yakubu insisted that compared to some previous elections, 2023 general election was one of the most meticulously prepared for in recent times.
He said learning from previous experiences, the commission started preparations immediately after the 2019 general election, carefully ticking the necessary boxes over a four-year period.
The chairman said It was the need to learn from both the positives and the shortcomings that makes the stocktaking that we are embarking on today essential.