Independent National Electoral Commission has been commended for the improved turnout of voters at the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly General Elections in the country.
The Team Leader of a non Governmental Organization, Voters Education Initiative Barisster Chris Nnoli stated this to Radio Nigeria in Kaduna.
Barisster Chris Nnoli attributed the improved high turn out as compared to the 2015 and 2019 elections to sustain sensitization activities by INEC and relevant stakeholders.
‘we did all that we could so that all Nigerians get involved in registering , collecting and coming out on election day to vote rightly without invalidation of their votes’
‘during the election on saturday, it was largely peaceful as my team as part of it’s mandate went round to observe the elections and we were impressed on the enthusiasm of many Nigerians that came out in thier numbers to vote leaders of their choice’,he explained
The Team Leader who appealed for calm from all Nigerians to allow INEC finished colletion of result and invariaibly announcing it, asked any group that will be aggrieved to seek legal redrees within the stipulated time as contained in the electoral acts.
He assured Nigerians of continued sensitization on elections and related matters to ensure collective participation for good governance.
‘its a constitutional responsibility for you to vote new leaders of your choice within a stipulated time as mandated by the constitution and therefore all citizens must accord this the highest priority ‘,he said.
Chris Nnoli therefore called on the government to ensure they give their citizens all the necessary support and conducive environment to thrive in order to add value to the country for global competitiveness.
Talking on the low turnout in some polling units across the country,the team leader attributed it to late arrival of elections materials and complications associated with reaching some terrains.
‘some people came very early for voting activities to take place but went back home without retuning to cast thier votes after waiting for a very long time due to late arrival of the voting materials in some of the polling units’,he added.
Radio Nigeria report that the NGO who is in synergy with INEC took it’s campaign of voters sensitization to religious bodies, communities, women and youth groups, market places, car parks and other public areas aimed at improving electioneering and related issues in the country.
Interview/Teddy Daniel