The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prohibited Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from visiting government houses and meeting politicians in their States of assignment on Thursday, ahead of the 2023 general elections.
In his remarks at the swearing-in ceremony of 19 RECs in Abuja yesterday, INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu charged the electoral officials with responsibility.
Mahmood also reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring free and fair elections in 2023, promising that the commission will not let Nigerians down.
According to him, the electorate would determine election winners through their votes, reiterating its loyalty and allegiance to the country and its citizens.
Mahmood urged the RECs to follow the law and the commission’s regulations while instructing them on their responsibilities ahead of the election.
Yakubu directed the RECs, saying: “As you are deployed to various states of the federation, you will be responsible for human and material resources. Work with the staff and be guided by the provisions of the law and our various regulations and guidelines.
“You should not be visitors to Government Houses and must never hold unofficial meetings with politicians, even after official working hours.
“All matters pertaining to official responsibilities should be conducted in the office attended by the relevant staff and the issues must be properly documented.”
According to news reports, Nigerians will elect new leaders at both the state and federal levels in exactly 113 days.
