Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have reaffirmed time and time again that they will not put up with any attempts to rig the general election in Ebonyi in 2023.
The commission asserts that they are well-equipped to guarantee a transparent, impartial, and free election, making it very challenging to rig the results.
At a meeting with media representatives and representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Abakaliki, the state capital, Mrs. Onyeka Ugochi, the recently appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ebonyi, made the remarks.
“Rigging election is never from INEC. It is the politicians outside there that are rigging elections. We will do the much as we can as long as what is important is not giving out our result sheet and other things.
“The process now is very difficult if you want to rig now we have the BVAS. Is it by bypassing the BVAS or shutting down our central severer where everything is?
“It's very, very difficult now. This is the time for the media and CSOs to work very hard and be sensitive to the people. We are open and will do our best in everything we do.
“We will resist every temptation and every attack outside. The media should support us so that what we intend to do will not be trampled upon,” she said.
The REC acknowledges the media’s important role in educating voters about the various political parties, candidates, and platforms in the upcoming 2023 election. She urges civil society organisations and the media to increase their efforts to encourage voters to get their PVCs and cast their ballots in large numbers.
Under her leadership, the commission will hold elections in Ebonyi that are free, fair, credible, and violence-free, she tells the media/CSOs, other key partners, and the people of Ebonyi.
“All votes must count. The struggle for a successful election and lasting democracy in Nigeria depends largely on stakeholders in which CSOs and media are inclusive.
“It is our hope that every stakeholder in the Electoral process will abide by the rules of engagement.
“This is the only way we can consolidate the gains of our democracy in Nigeria,” she added.