INEC: Why We Suspended Sokoto NASS Candidates' Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified why it suspended the National Assembly elections in Sokoto State, including the senatorial election that Governor Aminu Tambuwal contested. 

At a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday, INEC National Commissioner, Retired Maj. Gen. Modibbo Alkali explained that the exercise was declared inconclusive due to discovering some anomalies in the process. He assured the stakeholders that the commission is working to correct the observed lapses and ensure that the March 11 Governorship and States of Assembly election is credible.

Alkali added that INEC had noticed the abnormalities on time and decided to suspend the February 25 NASS elections in Sokoto State. As a result, the National Assembly members from Sokoto State have yet to be issued a certificate of return. The commission reviews the activities to correct and rectify all the anomalies to ensure a free, fair and credible election. 

Alkali urged political parties and other stakeholders to support INEC towards a hitch-free election, assuring them that security agencies had been mobilised to ensure the security of lives and property during the election.

Representatives of different political parties at the meeting gave their views on how INEC could work towards a free, fair, credible election on Saturday. It will be recalled that the February 25 election was marred by violence in at least 471 polling units across the state. INEC’s decision to suspend the election in Sokoto State shows its commitment to ensuring that the electoral process is transparent and credible. This will go a long way in boosting the confidence of Nigerians in the electoral system.