INEC Explains Why It Declared 2023 Presidential Results At 2am

INEC Clarifies Timing of 2023 Presidential Results Declaration. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has addressed concerns regarding the announcement of the 2023 presidential election results, which was made at 2 AM on March 1, 2023. This timing drew criticisms from some Nigerians, who questioned the decision to release the results at such an early hour. INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has now explained that the process of declaring the results was complex due to the nature of the election.

In Nigeria, the country is treated as a single constituency during presidential elections, requiring the collation of results from polling units through wards, local governments, states, and eventually, at the national level.

Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, further clarified that there is no specific time stated in the constitution or electoral act for declaring election results. He emphasized that the collation process involves receiving and verifying results from all 36 returning officers across the country, which can be time-consuming.

Oyekanmi explained, “In a presidential election, the entire country is treated as one constituency. Results must be declared at various levels before being submitted to the Chief Electoral Commissioner in Abuja. This process takes time due to the extensive collation and the distance some returning officers must travel.” He added that INEC Chairman Professor Yakubu ensured that all results were verified before announcing them, and that any discrepancies led to further scrutiny. This thorough process caused the delay, resulting in the announcement being made during the early hours.

Oyekanmi also pointed out that during the 2015 presidential election, results were announced around 4 AM, under former INEC Chairman Professor Attahiru Jega, indicating that late-night declarations have occurred in the past.

INEC reassured the public that the timing of the announcement was in line with the law and that the commission prioritizes accuracy and integrity in its processes.

Source: ejesgist