By David Lawani
As a show of its commitment towards ensuring transparency and credibility in next year’s General Election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it is inviting all international organisations in the world to come and observe the 2023 General Election.

The Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made the disclosure when he received an ECOWAS delegation on an assessment mission to Nigeria, led by Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, the former Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, on Monday, at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja.

Prof. Yakubu noted that with the election fast approaching, it has become ritual for the Commission to receive international observers, and disclosed that “we have invited virtually all international organisations in the world to come and observe the 2023 General Election in Nigeria.”

He said election observation is an important part of ensuring transparency and credibility in elections. “We have always benefited from the insight of election observation missions.”

“For instance, you are here on fact-finding. We’ll hear from you, what you have found so far, which will help us in concluding our preparations for the election. And I look forward to receiving any report at the end of the process in February and March, so that we can learn even more from the inside. ”

The INEC Chairman used the opportunity to reaffirm the Commission’s commitment to the use of technology for the 2023 General Election, saying, “Let me restate the commitment of INEC Nigeria to free, fair, and credible elections driven by technology.”

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“The 2023 General Election in Nigeria will be driven by technology not only as a matter of legal requirement but also as a matter of course, for us in the Commission.”

“So, I want to assure the ECOWAS team that we are committed to delivering a credible election in the next four months and a few days, which will be Nigeria’s seventh successive election since the restoration of democracy in 1999.” He added.

Speaking on behalf of the ECOWAS delegation earlier, Dr. Remi Ajibewa underscored the important role of Nigeria in the sub-region, stressing the need for a peaceful election in the country.

He explained that the team was in Nigeria to meet and interact with all stakeholders in the electoral process, including the Commission, in order to know the country’s level of preparedness for the 2023 General Election.

Also, on ground to join the INEC Chairman to receive the Commission’s guests were National Commissioners; Festus Okoye Esq., Major-General Modibbo Alkali (Rtd), Mrs. May-Agbamuche-Mbu, Prof. Sani Adam (SAN), and Prof. Kunle Ajayi, as well as the Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony.