The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Friday, warned the commission’s officials, ad hoc and regular staff to resist unethical behaviour during the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday.
He told the officials to ensure that they do not give any political party or candidate any advantage over others.
The INEC chairman gave the charge in his message to staff of the commission participating in the governorship poll.
Yakubu recalled that the Ekiti Governorship Election conducted last month was widely adjudged to be free, fair, credible, and inclusive.
According to him, the feat was an elongation of the earlier successes recorded in Edo, Ondo and Anambra States governorship elections.
He said, “The sheer determination, resilience, and competence displayed by all of you, our members of staff, made it possible for the Commission to achieve these lofty goals.
“As you are aware, the Osun State Governorship election will hold on Saturday. I have assured our stakeholders and the people of Osun State that the Commission will not do anything to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate. We have made adequate arrangements for the election. We have promised a level playing field for all. The security agencies have assured us of safety.
“The people of Osun State and Nigerians will understandably hold us to our promise on election day. They will observe our attitude and behaviour from the opening to the closing of polls. They will particularly observe our management of the election results and measure the extent of our adherence to the extant laws through every stage of the electoral process.
“I appeal to you to uphold our Code of Conduct, display your usual sense of commitment and professionalism, remain above board and firmly resist any unethical behaviour. You must also stick to the Oath of Neutrality to which we have all subscribed. I have the confidence in your ability to consolidate on our recent successes.”
