The implementation of the Bimodal Voters’ Accreditation System, or BVAS, for credible, fair, and transparent elections in 2023 has been backed by the presidency, according to President Muhammadu Buhari.
This was revealed on Tuesday by Femi Adesina, the president’s special media and publicity adviser, who was speaking at the 2022 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
“Media, Civil Society, and Violence-Free Election in Nigeria” is the theme of the event this year.
Adesina was responding to recent concerns expressed by some civil society organizations (CSOs) and the spokesperson for the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Ikenga Ugochinyere, regarding plans by some political actors to depose Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, through the National Assembly, deactivate BVAS so that it cannot be used in the election of 2023, and ultimately stop the electronic transmission of results.
“He (Buhari) said until technology came and there was a permanent voter card, it was difficult to write results. So, how can the same person now have issues with BVAS?”
However, Adesina urged the media to highlight Buhari’s pledge for a credible, free, and fair election while ignoring anyone trying to sway voters in the general election of 2023.
Abubakar Malami, SAN, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, stated in his remarks that the Buhari administration was dedicated to putting an end to anti-democratic and anti-cultured actions in the nation.
He urged individuals still engaged in electioneering to recognize that the Electoral Law’s rules would be observed concerning political activity.
“The peaceful outcome of the 2023 general election lies in the hands of the media,” declared the special guest of honor and governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, who was represented by the attorney general and commissioner of justice, Lawan Abdullahi.
“We should remember that regardless of our profession, religion, or ethnicity, we are all the country’s stakeholders in peace and progress,” stated Mohammed Haruna, Chairman of INEC, who was also represented by a National Commissioner.
