2023: ‘INEC Chair Committed To Free, Fair Polls, Not Joining Presidential Race’

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has debunked rumours that its chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu is joining the 2023 presidential race.

There has been speculations that the INEC chairman is being pressured by some groups to declare his interest in contesting for the number one position in the country.

However, according to a statement released on Sunday by Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Lawrence Oyekanmi, such is a “preposterous proposition” that will not happen.

Oyekanmi said the INEC chairman as the electoral umpire remains committed to a free, fair and credible election in 2023, and would not do anything to jeopardize that.

He further explained that Prof. Yakubu is very much aware of his constitutional responsibilities as the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation and Returning Officer for the presidential election, and would not contemplate deviating from that by jumping into the 2023 presidential race.

He urged members of the public to disregard such information, adding that the INEC boss remains committed to being fair to all parties participating in elections.

The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to innuendoes in certain quarters that Nigerians should not be surprised if the INEC Chairman joins the Presidential race or urging him to do so. It is a preposterous proposition. It will not happen.

“The Chairman remains an umpire committed to free, fair and credible elections.

“His constitutional responsibilities as the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation and Returning Officer for the presidential election are onerous enough for him to even contemplate straying into extraneous matters at variance with the law, morality and his personal principles.

“The Chairman will continue to discharge his responsibilities without affection for, or illwill against, any political party or candidate.”