Five days to Nigeria’s general elections, the Commonwealth Observer Mission to Nigeria on Monday expressed hope that the elections will be peaceful, credible and all-inclusive.

The Commonwealth Observer Group is one of the foreign observer groups that will monitor the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly polls in the country

Leader of Mission and former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki who met with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ) Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, along with some National Commissioners said this is the 7th Election the mission would be observing in Nigeria.

The former South African President said that Nigeria is a very important country for the Commonwealth stressing that their meeting will afford the delegation an opportunity to hear from the electoral umpire, and preparations thus far. Mr. Mbeki said the mission will write a report based on their observations and possibly make recommendations as well.

Responding, Prof. Yakubu stressed the importance the electoral body attaches to the observations of the Commonwealth Observer Mission in the past. His words: “We sent a letter of invitation to the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, inviting the Commonwealth Election Observation Mission to Nigeria. And I’m happy that the Secretary General has obliged us and we have this Distinguished ladies and gentleman representing the team. So you are in Nigeria, actually, as guests of INEC

“As His Excellency Thabo Mbeki said the 2023 general election is the seventh successive general election in Nigeria since the restoration of democracy in 1999. This is the longest period electoral democracy. We have a voter population of 93 million means that we have 16.7 million more voters than the other 14 counties in West Africa together. So it’s time that the course is like the whole of West Africa and beyond such the sheer size of elections in Nigeria.

“We have benefited from the previous election observation, and some of such innovations introduced over time. INEC has benefited from observation. We don’t take your observations likely especially recommendations that require administrative action by the Commission, and those that required amendment, particularly legislation we also liaise with the National Assembly to provide the necessary legislation and those that required amendment”, he stressed.

He said some of the recommendations in the past have led to improvements, including the further deployment of technologies by the commission. He also reiterated the commitment of the electoral body to conducting a free, fair and credible exercise.

Hear him:”I want to assure you that INEC is not a political match. We don’t have a candidate in the election. The choice of who becomes president or whatever is important in general election is in the hands of Nigerian voters. We are committed to create credible and verifiable elections. We lay the timetable for the 2023 general elections and we identified 14 activities and I’m glad to say so far implemented 12 of the 14 activities. No one has been postponed.

“We understand as I said the responsibilities on our shoulders also understand the benefit of credible elections, the peace and governance of our country, but the effect positive effect on our sub region. And I want to assure you that we will never let Nigerians down, we will never let the international women who were willing to withstand some of the issues they wish to raise”, he stressed.

The Common Wealth Observers to Nigeria have urged the political parties, candidates and their supporters to ensure that the elections are peaceful credible and transparent. According to a statement from the Chairperson of the group, the former president of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki on Monday, noted that the Nigeria presidential elections which are coming on 25th February 2023 is the largest democratic exercise in Africa.

He stated that the results of the polls are important not only for Nigerians but for the entire continent. As a result, he urged the relevant stakeholders to protect the fundamental right to free expression and association in the country.

He further noted that the Common Wealth Observers’ group, which comprises 16 eminent persons from around the Commonwealth, including politicians, diplomats and experts in law, human rights, gender equality and election administration has been saddled with the responsibility to observe the electioneering process in Nigeria.

Mr Mbeki also added that the Observers’ group will report its recommendations to the public as it begins the elections observations on February 23rd, 2023. “This month’s elections will be Africa’s largest democratic exercise. The outcomes of the elections will be significant not only for Nigeria but also for the entire continent. Therefore, we urge all stakeholders in Nigeria to uphold their commitment to ensuring a peaceful and inclusive election in which the people of Nigeria are able to freely exercise their right to vote, with the fundamental freedoms of expression, association and assembly fully respected

“Throughout, we will consider all factors relating to the credibility of the electoral process. We will assess whether the elections are conducted according to the standards for democratic elections to which Nigeria has committed itself. As we undertake this assessment and conduct our duties, we will be objective, independent and impartial. From 23 February, observers will be deployed across the country to observe the pre-election preparations as well as voting, counting and results processes at polling stations.

“An interim statement, which provides the group’s preliminary assessment of the electoral process, will be delivered by the Chairperson at a press conference on 27 February in Abuja.

“Following the elections, the group will submit its recommendations in a report to Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC which she will forward to the Government of Nigeria, the country’s Independent National Electoral Commission, the leadership of political parties taking part in the elections and all Commonwealth governments. The report will be made public afterwards,”