INEC Warns Observers on Accreditation for Edo/Ondo Elections

INEC cautions election observers about potential withdrawal of accreditation for Edo and Ondo elections. Stay updated on this crucial advisory.

On Wednesday, July 17, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared that election observers’ accreditation for the Edo and Ondo governorship elections is not certain and can be withdrawn at any moment.

At a training session for election observers, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Election and Party Monitoring Committee, Sam Olumekun stressed that failure to adhere to the Code of Conduct for observer groups as outlined in INEC’s Guidelines for Election Observation will result in revocation of accreditation.

In addition, he emphasized that the commission does not offer financial support for observer accreditation. Olumekun expressed concern about election observation integrity and acknowledged trustworthy groups who have contributed to Nigeria’s democratic progress. However, there are still some with lax attitudes towards observing elections appropriately which undermines the credibility of the whole process. He stated that training would enable registered observer organizations to become familiarized with online processes such as field observers’ uploads, BVAS functionality, code of conduct regarding electoral observations procedures on Election Day along with other forthcoming Electoral Commission operations and preparations innovations consideration

He stated that the Edo and Ondo Governorship elections are classified as off-cycle, meaning they will take place outside of the country’s regular electoral cycle due to both states’ governors’ tenures coming to an end.

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According to him, there were 153 submissions made by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) who expressed their interest in the two elections. Following a thorough evaluation process that adhered strictly to our Regulations and Guidelines, accreditation was granted to 134 groups, consisting of ten international organizations and one hundred twenty-four domestic ones.

The accredited groups were categorized into 28 gender-based, 3 representing persons with disabilities, 8 faith-based, and 10 international organizations. There are also more than a hundred other groups working in areas relevant to the Commission’s functions.

While some of these Organizations have ample experience with election observation, others are participating for the first time to gain insight into electoral processes and contribute to enhancing democratic principles.

“Accredited Observer Groups will have permission to monitor all election procedures as specified in the Commission’s Updated Regulations and Guidelines for conducting elections (accessible at INEC’s website: www.inecnigeria.org).”

In order to process the online submission of your field observers on an LGA-by-LGA basis, it is necessary for your organization to acquire the access code (Accreditation Number) and number of field observers from the Election and Party Monitoring (EPM) Department. This can be done by filling out all required forms through their designated website platform.

To facilitate the issuance of Identity Cards, please upload the names and passport photos of your field observers.

The Commission requested the observers to provide reliable reports within the given timeframe. It is anticipated that their observations will contribute significantly towards improving our operations and strengthening democratic principles in future years.

Hauwa Habib, the Acting Director of Election and Party Monitoring (EPM), stated that election observation is essential to all elections worldwide. She emphasized that democratic systems benefit greatly from informed observers who are familiar with regulations, processes, and procedures related to elections.

The selection and registration process of observers, according to her, is solely based on the requirement that the organization must be registered with CAC as a trustee and should have coverage in election-related areas. Out of all present here now, only 134 individuals successfully passed this test.

According to the available records at the Commission, she informed them that some of them would have to update their records with the CAC.