2023 polls: Why politicians now see INEC as enemy – Osun REC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke has revealed that the Commission is now the target and enemy of politicians due to the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machine.

Agboke also expressed concern over the security architecture, advocacy and sensitisation towards the 2023 general elections.

The REC made this known during an advocacy visit to the Engineering Construction Command (ECC), Ede, National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Osun State Police Command headquarters, Osogbo on Monday.

Speaking with Brigadier General Kabir Suleiman, the Commander of ECC, Agboke hinted that politicians believed that everyone could be bought.

In his words, “INEC has become the enemy of politicians because of the introduction of the BVAS machine.

“The day we allow due process to run our election in Nigeria, correct leaders will start to emerge.

“Politicians are the ones speaking against the use of technology. Our elections cannot be rigged by anybody.

“No accreditation, no voting. No BVAS, no voting. Where the accredited voters are more than the votes cast, there is human interference.

“We are going to apply the use of BVAS in the 2023 general elections.

“INEC does not have a political party. We will deliver the process.”

While soliciting for the cooperation of the military in the elections, the Osun INEC boss added that elections must be won on merit.

Replying, General Suleiman while noting that the military is a stakeholder, assured of its collaboration and support.

Suleiman stated that the military was ready for the 2023 elections and would not hesitate to do all within its statutory right.

On a visit to the Osun Police Command headquarters, CP Patrick Kehinde Longe maintained that the 2023 general elections must be peaceful.

Longe also promised to cooperate with the INEC in order to make the 2023 general elections a reality.

The Osun State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Abiodun Ibikunle on his part assured that as partners in progress, they would get the full cooperation of the agency.