The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has on Wednesday expressed delight that the re-appointment of Prof Mahmood Yabuku as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will serve as impetus to credible elections in the country.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party said the reappointment has entrusted Prof Yakubu with the fate, hope and future of over 200 million Nigerians, as well as those of generations yet unborn.
The PDP spokesman said, “We consider this reappointment by President Buhari as an impetus to demonstrate a readiness for a free fair and credible election, which Mr. President had always promised to bequeath at the end of his second and final term in office in 2023.
“In the light of this five-year extension, our party hopes that the failures, disappointments and miscarriages that characterised the first five years tenure of Yakubu will have no place in the new order.
Kola Ologbondiyan’s statement also reads that the re-appointment will grant the INEC chief the opportunity to rescue himself in creating a better atmosphere for credible election
“It is therefore instructive to state that with his re-appointment, Prof Yakubu has been given an ample time and opportunity to redeem himself, the image of the commission and preparation for credible, free and fair elections in our country.
The party, through the spokesman also urged him monitor the issues of electoral malpractices, work out the laid down electoral policies and guidelines and be ready for swift amendment of the Electoral Act, in conjunction with the National Assembly, with a view to granting the nation a credible electoral process.
“He must quickly take painstaking look into issues that aid manipulations, rigging, violence and inconclusive elections which marred most of the exercises conducted in his previous tenure.
“Prof. Yakubu should note that the future, stability and corporate existence of our nation have been entrusted in his hands as credible election is the bedrock of any democratic society”.
Meanwhile, Professor Mahmood Yakubu is expected to conduct the 2023 general election.
