INEC Approves 146,913 Election Observers, Warns Against Interference in Electoral Process

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that a record-breaking 146,913 election observers have been approved for the 2023 general elections.

The announcement was made by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at the commission’s briefing for election observers in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to Prof. Yakubu, this year’s number of accredited observers is the highest in Nigeria’s history. The observers were approved from 196 national and domestic organizations, which registered 144,800 observers, and 33 international organizations, which registered 2,113 observers, Investors King reports.

Prof. Yakubu charged the observers to maintain impartiality and to refrain from interfering with the electoral processes.

He emphasized that international observers must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and urged all observers to abide by the election observation code of conduct.

He stated, “I wish to remind observers that there is a code of conduct for election observation. You are, by definition, observers. Do not interfere with the process or show partisanship. In addition, international observers must be guided by the fact that the election is conducted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose sovereignty must be respected. I urge you all to keep to the rules, listen to the presentation that will be made shortly, and ask questions where you require further clarification.”

The Regional Director, Africa, International Foundation for Electoral Systems, Clara Cole, also addressed the gathering, highlighting that election observation helps to identify areas that need improvements in elections and boost public confidence in the electoral process.

She urged both domestic and foreign observers to abide by the laid down rules and regulations of the electoral body and perform their duties diligently.

“As we are aware, election observations contribute to public confidence, expose irregularities, and improve elections,” she said.