Lagos, Nigeria- Nigeria Electoral Umpire, The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that a flood has severely impacted its Edo State office, resulting in damage to over 4000 Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machines. This announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, during the inauguration of a two-day induction retreat for Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held in Lagos on Monday.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Yakubu revealed that despite the extensive damage, INEC has managed to salvage more than 3,500 of the affected machines. However, he voiced concerns over the sufficiency of the remaining machines for the upcoming elections, suggesting that additional support from neighboring states may be required to ensure a smooth electoral process.
“While we have successfully recovered a significant number of the machines, the shortfall poses a serious challenge for our operations in the affected areas,” Yakubu stated. “We may need to rely on our neighboring states to bridge this gap as we approach the election period.”
The induction retreat, which Prof. Yakubu described as crucial beyond mere orientation, aims to provide a comprehensive review of INEC’s performance, reassess operational processes, and explore innovative solutions. The retreat also offers a platform for engaging with key service providers and interfacing with lawmakers to push for essential reforms that enhance INEC’s capacity for effective service delivery.
“These retreats are not just about orientation; they are about introspection and continuous improvement,” Yakubu explained. “We must engage with lawmakers to advocate for the necessary legal reforms that will empower us to serve the Nigerian electorate better.”
Reflecting on recent activities, Yakubu highlighted the importance of previous retreats held for various groups within INEC, emphasizing the need for continuous professional development and strategic planning. He underscored the commission’s readiness to tackle upcoming electoral challenges, particularly the impending elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun states.
“We are committed to implementing the necessary administrative reforms swiftly and advocating for the required legal reforms through our engagement with the National Assembly,” he added.
The flood incident comes at a critical time for INEC, as preparations intensify for several crucial elections.
The commission’s ability to adapt and respond to these challenges will be vital in ensuring that the democratic process in Nigeria remains robust and credible.
By Remilekun Oyelowo
Editor-in-chief
