2023 Elections: INEC Chairman denies financial support from foreign agencies

<p>It will form an integral part of the comprehensive report that will serve as a basis for further engagement with stakeholders focusing on specific actions necessary for the improvement of future elections and electoral activities in Nigeria.”</p>, <p>Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has denied insinuation that the electoral umpire under his leadership received financial assistance from development partners for the conduct of the last general elections.</p>, <p>Speaking on Monday at a session with Civil Society Organisations, ( CSOs) on the review of 2023 General Elections, Professor Yakubu, in his clarification, declared that “there was no direct funding or cash support from international development partners.”</p>, <p>He maintained that the development partners’ “support was totally indirect through civil society organisations and implementing partners working on elections.”</p>, <p>Thanking the civil society organisations and development partners for their enormous support to the Commission during the 2023 General Elections, the INEC Chairman recalled that while 228 groups (190 domestic and 38 foreign) were accredited as observers for the last general elections, only 67</p>, <p>have so far submitted their observation reports to the Commission.</p>, <p>He said:” On this note, it is appropriate for the Commission to express its appreciation to civil society organisations and development partners for their enormous support to the Commission during the 2023 General Election. This came in the form of technical advice, civic and voter education, organisation of meetings and capacity-building workshops, as well as the publication of documents.</p>