Enough is Enough (EiE Nigeria) in partnership with Yiaga Africa, the Electoral College, Election Hub, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and GOAL will host a hybrid event with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at the Shehu Musa Yar’dua Centre in Abuja.
Kunle Lawal, the Executive Director, Electoral College Nigeria noted, “the path to democracy is paved in participation. Engagements like this are necessary to entrench the needed politeracy of the electorate so we can solidify the gains on this journey to a better-governed nation.”
The event will provide The Electorate with the opportunity to discuss the emerging realities of the 2023 elections with the head of the election management body. While we collectively work to deepen democracy in Nigeria, overcome the current challenges and improve elections outcomes in the country, INEC has the sole responsibility to organize, undertake and supervise elections for all offices except the local government.
With the passage of the 2022 Electoral Act, there are new rules for the game and the INEC Chairman will be engaged on the Commission’s commitment and preparedness for free, fair, credible and peaceful elections in 2023 and beyond.
Tobi Oluwatola, Executive Director, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) added, “… effective liberal democracy requires the participation of the majority of people but also diverse interests that may not be represented by the majority. As the electoral umpire, INEC has a role to play to ensure expanded participation, especially among youth. This platform provides an opportunity to motivate youth participation.”
The conversation will be moderated by Ebuka Obi-Ochendu, a television host and presenter who has a significant youth following. As Samson Itodo, the Executive Director, Yiaga Africa noted, “in order for elections to be popular and participatory, it is critical that citizens are involved in the entire process, and not just at the point of voting. We believe that this event not only provides one more opportunity for INEC and Nigerian citizens to discuss all the issues around the 2023 elections, but also an opportunity for INEC to assure Nigerians of its independence, and preparedness for the 2023 elections.”
Having revealed that 4.5 million Nigerian youths completed the online registration for fresh voters’ cards as of May 30, 2022, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has further extended the online voter registration to Thursday, June 30, 2022.
Attend physically on Saturday, June 4 | 12 noon | Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja or online at Youtube.com/EiENigeria.
