The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concerns over the current fuel scarcity in Nigeria and how it might impact the logistics of the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 25th and March 11th, 2023.
The INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, shared these concerns at a recent consultative meeting with transport unions such as the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
Yakubu acknowledged the commission’s concerns about the fuel situation in the country and its potential impact on transportation during the election day.
He stated that the commission shares the unions’ concern and may be negatively affected by the non-availability of products.
To address this issue, Yakubu announced that the INEC will be meeting with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) later that afternoon to look into ways to mitigate the situation.
“The commission shares your concern about the fuel situation in the country and its impact on transportation on election day,” Yakubu said.
“The truth is that our arrangement may be negatively affected by the non-availability of products.
“For this reason, the commission will this afternoon meet the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to look into ways to ameliorate this situation.”
In addition to discussing the logistics of the election, Yakubu also addressed the importance of transportation neutrality and non-partisanship.
He urged the transporters to remain neutral while commuting INEC staff to and from polling units.
To ensure the impartiality of the election, inter-state trips will not be allowed and all INEC and ad hoc staff must not be moved beyond their local government areas.
