Resist Politicians’ Interference, Yiaga Africa Tells State Electoral Body

YIAGA Africa has charged the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) to resist attempts by political actors to interfere with the forthcoming local government election in the state.
The executive director YIAGA Africa Mr. Samson Itodo stated this in Jos the Plateau State capital during the engagement with members of the commission ahead of the local government election schedule to be held in October for the 17 councils of the state.

Although the commisson is yet to announce a specific date in October for the election, Itodo said the people of the state expects the commission’s staff to be at the polling units as early as possible on the election day with voting materials and to also ensure that the result reflects votes cast during the exercise.
He however said the electoral body has the requisite capacity to carry out their function without fear or favour.

The executive director added that the priorities outlined by the commission shows commitment to meet and fulfill the integrity test required of the commission.

“As a civil society organisation, we will continue to support electoral commissions not just in Nigeria but Africa. In terms of legal review, we will ensure that the electoral law is compatible and consistent with the 2022 Electoral Act because the law is clear that the procedure for the conduct of local government elections need to be consistent with the provision of the act,” he said.