IPAC to INEC: Review process of appointing RECs to ensure competence

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to review the process for the appointment of resident electoral commissioners (RECs).

Briefing journalists after the council’s meeting on Thursday in Abuja, Yabagi Sani, IPAC national chairman, said the review was important to ensure that only competent Nigerians are appointed.

“The council demands a review of the process in appointing INEC resident electoral commissioners (RECs) to ensure only competent and patriotic Nigerians head the commission’s state offices across the nation,” Sani said.

“Some of the challenges encountered during the elections, particularly, the use of bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS) and result in viewing portal (IReV) were caused more by the human factors than the equipment.

“More importantly, the commission must be transparent as well as uphold its neutrality and integrity.

“The electoral umpire must discharge its duties without fear or favour as it will be held responsible and accountable for the successes and otherwise of the election conducted.”

He commended Nigerians for their active participation in the 2023 general election, adding that the mandate of the people must be protected.

“The right of the people to choose their leaders is the bedrock of constitutional rule,” he said.

“The ballot is sacrosanct and must reflect the will and mandate of the electorate in a free, fair, credible, transparent, inclusive, and peaceful election.

“IPAC will resist any attempt to subvert the people’s mandate freely given to any political party and its candidate.

“IPAC urges stakeholders in the electoral process to respect the wish of the people as sovereignty resides in them.

“It is the only way we will collectively deepen the nation’s hard-earned democracy.”