Professor Attahiru Jega, Chairman, National Independent
Electoral Commission, INEC has lamented the lapses encountered by his
officials, stating that they were more than the Commission anticipated and
prepared for.
Jega, who addressed issues relating to the conduct of
Saturday and Sunday's election, commended Nigerians for their large turnout and
peaceful elections and also for their resilience and understanding in the face
of many difficulties.
While expressing his desire to see the conduct
continue after results may have been announced, Jega expressed his delight with
the conduct of election in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno states despite the trouble
in the states.
He said: “card readers worked well in most areas but
the places where they didn't work well, Osun, Kebbi, Ekiti, Adamawa, Bornu
Jigawa, Anambra and Ebonyi reverted to manual accreditation in some polling
units.
“We warn strongly against premature announcements as
the commission reiterates its commitment to free fair and peaceful elections”.
On the issue of underage voters, the INEC Boss
informed that, “there has been an image of one underage voter from Taraba. We
have commenced investigation; we want to know the official and polling unit
where it happened. It is clearly illegal and is prohibited by the law.
“On Sunday morning, I received a letter from Rivers
APC calling for the cancellation of the election in the state.
We have not taken a decision on the issue, but we
shall do after a thorough investigation.
“Malpractices in Rivers state have been reported, but
we shall take appropriate decisions as allowed by the law and communicate same
through appropriate quarters.
“There were allegations that some supervisors
disappeared with the result sheet, some delayed ballot papers/sheets; they're
all under investigation.
“Our best is not likely to be perfect, that means
there might be lapses. The ones we experienced were more than we anticipated
but they will help to prepare for the governorship elections”.
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