Commonwealth election observers led by a former President of South Africa, Mr. Thabo Mbeki have arrived Nigeria ahead of Saturday’s election.
Mr Mbeki at a news briefing in Abuja urged all stakeholders in the 2023 elections to uphold their commitment to ensure peaceful and inclusive polls with fundamental freedoms of expression, association and assembly fully respected.
Mr. Mbeki explained that the commonwealth had a long tradition of supporting the country’s democratic development through election observation has been in the country since last week and would monitor the conduct of Political parties and INEC as well.
Mr. Mbeki said the group would meet with the Inspector General of Police and INEC to assess their level of preparedness for the election.
He said the group would work with other observer groups to ensure total coverage of the country.
Chairperson of the commonwealth election observers group also said that the group would consider all factors relating to the credibility of the electoral process.
The commonwealth observer group is expected to present it preliminary report few days after the election to the public.
RN