Peter Okoye, PBA Journalism MenteeThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has apologised to Nigerians, especially the candidates and the political parties over the hitches in the use of the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.
READ ALSO: #NigeriaDecides2023: INEC Officials Refuse To Upload Results In Lagos, Delta – LP
This was disclosed through the press release by the INEC Commosioner and Chairman, Informationand Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye on Sunday.
Okoye stated that the Commission is aware of challenges Nigerians are facing while trying to access the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV).
He explained that the slow and unsteady response of the portal is as a result of the high volume of load on it unlike when it was used in few state elections.
He said that the challenge with accessing the portal has nothing to do with any internal sabotage of the system.
Okoye further explained that the problem is a technical hitch related to scaling up the IReV portal from a platform for managing off-season, State elections, to one for managing nationwide general elections. Hence, expected glitches to occur and but would be rectified as well.
The Commissioner assured Nigerians that the IReV portal has become more secured as the technical team is seriously working on it.
He also assured Nigerians that the Commission will do everything possible to ensure that results from the Polling Units whose copies were issued to political parties are very safe on both the BVAS and the IReV portal.
He maintained that the results cannot be tampered with and whereby there is any discrepancy between them and the physical results used in collation it will be thoroughly investigated and reconciled, in line with Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022.
Okoye appreciated Nigerians, especially for their concerns and contributions in this trial time, but urged them to refrain from statements and actions that can heat up the polity at this time or promote disaffection towards the Commission.
“We take full responsibility for the problems and regret the distress that they have caused the candidates, political parties and the electorate,” Okoye stated.
Follow Us