Five days to Nigeria’s general elections, the Commonwealth Observer Mission to Nigeria on Monday expressed hope that the elections will be peaceful, credible and all-inclusive.
The Commonwealth Observer Group led by the former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki is one of the foreign observer groups that will monitor the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly polls in the country.
Thabo Mbeki who met with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ) Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, along with some National Commissioners said this is the 7th Election the mission would be observing in Nigeria.
The former South African President said that Nigeria is a very important country for the Commonwealth stressing that their meeting will afford the delegation an opportunity to hear from the electoral umpire, and preparations thus far.
Mr. Mbeki said the mission will write a report based on their observations and possibly make recommendations as well.
In his response, Prof. Yakubu stressed the importance the electoral body attaches to the observations of the Commonwealth Observer Mission in the past. His words: “We sent a letter of invitation to the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, inviting the Commonwealth Election Observation Mission to Nigeria. And I’m happy that the Secretary General has obliged us and we have this Distinguished ladies and gentleman representing the team. So you are in Nigeria, actually, as guests of INEC
The Common Wealth Observers to Nigeria have urged the political parties, candidates and their supporters to ensure that the elections are peaceful credible and transparent.
The Chairperson of the group, Thabo Mbeki on Monday noted that the Nigeria presidential elections which are coming on 25th February 2023 is the largest democratic exercise in Africa.
