Rivers Re-Run: INEC says Yakubu, APC meeting routine not secret

Arsonists Raze Commission’s Office

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied allegations by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike that its Chairman, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, met secretly with All Progressives Congress (APC) officials.

Wike had alleged that Yakubu met with APC chairman in the state, Mr. Davies Ikanya, and Senator Magnus Abe on Wednesday in Abuja, which he said was inimical to credible legislative rerun elections scheduled for next Saturday, July 30 in Rivers.

Meanwhile, ahead of the re-run State and National Assemblies Election, unknown arsonists have razed the INEC office in Bori, Khana Council.

Deputy Director, Voter Education and Publicity in INEC, Mr. Nick Dazang, admitted that the meeting held, but that it was a routine.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday that it was INEC’s policy to meet with leadership of political parties involved in elections.

“The INEC Chairman, with three National Commissioners, and two directors, met with a delegation of the APC, led by its Deputy National Chairman.

“The meeting was routine and was earlier requested by the leadership of that party.

“Similar routine meetings between INEC and other parties had taken place at the INEC headquarters.

“It is INEC’s policy and this is being strictly adhered to under Yakubu’s watch to avoid any suspicion or allegation of bias. The chairman meets leaders of political parties in the presence of the national commissioners.

“It is, therefore, not true that the meeting was secret, as alleged by Wike or intended to favour the APC,” Dazang said.

He, therefore, expressed the commission’s commitment to credible elections, adding: “The commission is determined to conduct free, fair and transparent elections in Rivers by providing a level field and carrying all stakeholders along.”