Nigeria’s Electoral body, The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved 134 observer groups to monitor the forthcoming Edo and Ondo State governorship elections.
This move is a significant step towards ensuring the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.
According to a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the accredited organisations include 124 domestic and 10 international groups. Olumekun noted that the approved groups comprise 28 gender-based organisations, three representing people with disabilities, eight faith-based organisations, and over 100 others working in areas relevant to INEC’s functions.
The accredited organisations will upload the personal details and photographs of their field observers to INEC’s dedicated portal. A one-day training for representatives of observer groups will be held on July 17 at INEC’s Conference Room in Abuja, where they will receive access codes to the portal and letters of accreditation.
The comprehensive list of accredited groups has been uploaded to INEC’s website and social media platforms for public information. This development demonstrates INEC’s commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent electoral process in the upcoming elections.
INEC Nigeria Rotimi Lawrence Oyekanmi Nathaniel Audu Gana
