Address Challenges Experienced In Last Elections, CODE Tells INEC

Connected Development (CODE) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address the challenges experienced in the presidential and the National Assembly elections.

According to CODE, if INEC can get it right in the next elections which will be conducted across the country, Nigerians will have confidence in the electoral process.

Speaking at a press conference held at their office in Abuja, founder and chief executive officer of CODE, Hamzat Lawal said even though the electoral umpire disappointed people on the day of election, such can be corrected in the next gubernatorial and state assembly elections.

“INEC disappointed us on election day,” Lawal said, adding that the time they were supposed to communicate effectively to Nigerians they kept mute in spite of their previous efforts in the electoral circle.

“INEC must ensure that challenges experienced in the presidential election are addressed in the gubernatorial election.

“The governorship and the state House of Assembly elections is an opportunity for INEC to redeem their image. INEC should ensure that polling units results are uploaded timely,” Lawal said.

CODE, which deployed thousands of observers in the election, said the general view of the people is that the process failed short of citizens’ expectations.

The group urged Nigerians aggrieved as a result of the elections to seek redress in the court and not engage in activities capable of breaching the peace of the country.

“We have aggrieved parties in the election. We must remain peaceful and channel our grievances to the court. Emotions are high but peace is central,” Lawal added.