Jega: Security code of card readers not with APC

Attahiru Jega, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says the results of Saturday’s presidential election will be announced nationally within 48 hours.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Jega‎ stated that the commission had taken measures to ensure better collation of results that in 2011.

“For the 2015 elections, we should be able to declare results nationally within 48 hours. Our aim is to im‎prove upon our performance in 2011,” he said.

Reacting to an allegation that the master key of the smart card readers is in the possession of the main opposition party, Jega stated that the card readers had no master key but only a security code.

“‎The card reader does not have a master key, it only has a security code, and you can only breach the card reader if you have the source code,” he said.

“Although, there have been allegations, but there is no proof indicating that the security code of the ca‎rd readers has been breached.”

Jega also dismissed speculations that the commission hired a blacklisted company to produce the permanent voter cards, saying: “No company which has been blacklisted works for INEC.”

On the controversy of whether voters should wait at polling units after voting or not, the INEC chairman said that voters could wait at polling units‎, but must abide by the stipulated guidelines for elections.

“If people choose to stay at polling units after elections, they should stay, but must abide by the law,” he said.

“The inspector-general of police is not telling people not to stay after casting their votes, he is only advising that they vote and go home.”