Polls: We won't let Nigerians down - INEC

Ahead of Saturday's Presidential and National Assembly elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has assured Nigerians of its readiness to deliver a free, fair, credible and inclusive election, despite the huge responsibility placed on its shoulders.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this in Abuja when he granted audience to the Commonwealth Election Observation Mission to Nigeria led by a former South African President, Mr Thabo Mbeki.

He said; "We are aware of the responsibility that lies on our shoulders, but we cannot do it alone. Our work is clearly cut out with assigned responsibilities for the security agencies, the parties and others.

"As a commission, we have constantly engaged with all stakeholders. Every three months, we meet with stakeholders made up of political parties, civil society organizations, the media and the security agencies, but we can meet several times in a year depending on the issues. 

"We are committed to a free and fair process. I want to assure you that INEC is not a political party. We don't have a candidate in the election. The choice of who becomes what during the general election is entirely the choice of the Nigerian people. We are committed to a free, fair, credible, inclusive election and verifiable elections. 

"Elections in Nigeria is huge. We understand the magnitude of the responsibility placed on our shoulders and we also understand that a credible election is the pillar on which good governance rests. I want to assure you that we will never let Nigerians down and we will not let the international community down".

Earlier, Mr Mbeki said he is leading a full complement of the Commonwealth Observer Mission.

"This is the seventh elections in Nigeria that we are observing. Of course, I don’t need to say that the Commonwealth is more than a country. Nigeria is a very important country. It has an impact on itself and the continent as a whole. So, it is always very important that as the Commonwealth, we should come and to be with you as you hold this all important election and to observe the conduct.