Partnership between INEC, electoral stakeholders essential for democratic growth

The Unbiased Nationwide Electoral Fee, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke has described the partnership between electoral stakeholders and the fee as robust and demanding to democratic growth.

Dr Agboke gave this description in his welcome comment as he performed host at a sensitisation by Kimpact Growth Initiative, KDI, alongside intern college students from Osun State College, UNIOSUN, on the INEC State Headquarters, Osogbo on Wednesday.

The sensitisation go to was geared toward deepening the interns’ understanding of Nigeria’s electoral system and inspiring their roles as future advocates of excellent governance.

It was additionally as a part of ongoing efforts to advertise civic consciousness and electoral accountability.

Dr Agboke expressed appreciation for the robust partnership between INEC and KDI, describing it as essential to democratic growth.

He additionally recommended the scholars for demonstrating an lively curiosity in civic information and electoral participation.

“The synergy between INEC and civil society organisations like KDI has considerably contributed to the deepening of democracy in Nigeria,” he stated.

The Osun INEC boss defined the INEC’s construction, constitutional duties, and the distinction between INEC and State Unbiased Electoral Commissions, SIECs.

He clarified that INEC, which is constitutionally established and supervised by the President, is solely accountable for conducting elections into the places of work of the President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, Nationwide Meeting, and State Homes of Meeting, in addition to elections within the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

“INEC has no enterprise with native authorities elections; these are carried out by SIECs,” he acknowledged.

Dr Agboke gave an in depth overview of INEC’s eight key departments: Electoral Operations; Common Administration and Procurement; Voter Training, Publicity, Gender and Inclusivity; Accounts; Authorized; ICT; Administration; and Election and Social gathering Monitoring.

The REC additionally outlined INEC’s pre-election actions, which embody Steady Voter Registration, CVR, sensitisation of the voters, and registration of political events.

He emphasised the significance of public consciousness throughout CVR and voter schooling workouts.

“Data of those processes is important for anybody concerned about elections administration in Nigeria,” he famous.

On election day, Dr Agboke stated INEC is accountable for issuing election notices and polls, deploying electoral supplies, utilising ad-hoc employees, and making certain correct collation and announcement of outcomes.

He reminded the interns that INEC is the one physique legally empowered to conduct elections in Nigeria, and any disputes have to be addressed by the election tribunal.

Dr Agboke inspired the scholars to share what that they had realized with friends and the broader public, noting that “the rights of a voter embody the suitable to register, vote, and take part in a recall course of.”

Kimpact’s Director of Programmes for the Southwest, Barrister Bunmi Eyelade, praised the continued collaboration with INEC and highlighted the target of grooming the scholars to change into lively advocates of excellent governance.

“INEC has all the time been a dependable companion in our mission to boost accountable residents who’re nicely knowledgeable about their electoral rights,” Eyelade stated.

In attendance have been INEC’s Administrative Secretary, Margaret Olufunmike Segun-Osifeso, in addition to Heads of Departments and Models throughout the Fee.