INEC Seeks UNDP’s Assistance For Kogi, Bayelsa Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed for greater support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to enable it facilitate the successful conduct of the November 21 and December 5, 2015 governorship elections scheduled to take place in Kogi and Bayelsa states respectively.

Acting Chairman of the Commission, Hajia Amina Bala Zakari who made the appeal when she received the UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Mensah Kumah Opia last Friday, disclosed that preparations to hold election in the two states were already at advanced stage, adding that the electoral umpire would require support from stakeholders for successful prosecution of the exercise. 

“UNDP has been a traditional ally to Nigeria in terms of development and in particular, INEC. We have been having it good with you and we appreciate all you have been doing for us. We still have more days ahead to really actualize certain other things in terms of electoral activities in Nigeria.

“Preparations are at advance stage to go in for these elections, and we hope that you are with us both in spirit and in other activities that may help us actualize this lofty programme,” he said.

Represented by a National Commissioner, Ambassador Lawrence Nwuruku, the Acting Chairman commended other United Nations organisations as well as other collaborators for the sundry support in the successful conduct of the just concluded 2015 general elections in the country. 

She assured that the electoral umpire in Nigeria would continue to work with other stakeholders towards improving on the achievements so far recorded and in the tasks to achieve greater heights in the electoral process in the country. 

Earlier, Opia said his visit to INEC headquarters was to strengthen UNDP’s partnership with the commission in the many areas of engagements and future collaboration.  

He expressed appreciation to the Commission for the support given UNDP and other collaborators, especially the implementation of DGD II project.