INEC Plans to Allow Policemen, Soldiers, Journalists to Vote During Polls

Ilesanmi AdekanbiAugust 3, 2023

1 minute read

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced its plan to allow policemen, soldiers, journalists and other election workers to vote during polls.

The commission said it would seek legal backing from the National Assembly to amend the law that prevents many Nigerians from exercising their voting rights on Election Day.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, disclosed this in Lagos on Wednesday at a post-election review meeting with media stakeholders.

He said the current law stipulates that one can only vote where one is registered, which deprives many Nigerians of their voting rights on election day. He said this affects not only journalists but also INEC officials, both regular and ad hoc, as well as security personnel.

Yakubu said the commission was open to suggestions and recommendations from stakeholders on how to improve the electoral process in the future. He said the commission had nothing to hide and did no wrong in the conduct of the 2023 general elections.

He admitted that there were many challenges in the last elections, but also many positives. He said there were several election litigations at the various tribunals nationwide, but he would not comment on issues that are sub judice.

He thanked the media for their role in informing and educating the public on electoral matters. He urged them to continue to partner with the commission in promoting credible and peaceful elections in Nigeria.