The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed allegations of partisanship in the recently concluded Adamawa State Governorship election. In a press release, INEC addressed claims made by a candidate, who alleged that officials deployed for the election had undermined the electoral process after a nocturnal visit to the Government House, where they allegedly received a list of collation and returning officers from one of the candidates.
INEC categorically denied the allegations, stating that no such visit or meeting took place, and that it would have been contrary to the oath of neutrality that all officials swore to. The Commission clarified that only one Returning Officer was appointed and retained for the Governorship election, and that the list of Collation Officers was forwarded to the State with the endorsement of the Chairman of the Commission well ahead of the arrival of the National Commissioners.
Furthermore, INEC explained that the deployment of National Commissioners and other officials from the headquarters or neighboring states for supplementary or off-cycle elections is a standard policy and practice. In the case of Adamawa State, where a supplementary governorship election was held in 69 polling units, two National Commissioners were deployed, which was consistent with the deployment in other states with similar circumstances.
INEC expressed concern that the false allegations of partisanship have endangered the lives of their officials engaged in legitimate election duties and called on well-meaning citizens to act within the bounds of propriety and decency. The Commission urged the public to disregard the insinuations and advised those spreading misinformation to desist forthwith.
As the election process continues in Nigeria, INEC’s press release serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding impartiality, professionalism, and transparency in electoral processes, and the need to rely on evidence-based information rather than unfounded allegations.