This commendation was contained in an electronically signed statement issued on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Dayo Oketola.
According to the statement, reports from the INEC Situation Room indicated that the election had so far proceeded smoothly, with improved voter turnout compared to the 2021 poll and a generally calm atmosphere across polling units.
The statement attributed the hitch-free process to INEC’s effective logistics management, technological deployment, and the leadership of its Chairman, Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN).
Oketola also quoted Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Nkweke of the International Association of World Peace Advocates as praising INEC’s level of preparedness and professionalism.
“The process has been peaceful and well-managed. Accreditation is smooth, BVAS is functioning as expected, and INEC officials are courteous and efficient,” Dr. Nkweke, who monitored polling units in Awka, said.
The statement further noted that Dr. Nkweke commended the conduct of security agencies during the exercise.
“The environment is calm and secure. We observed up to seven police officers at some units, and their conduct has been exemplary. The collaboration among the security agencies deserves commendation,” Nkweke added.
Addressing allegations of vote buying, Nkweke said, “We have not seen anything like that in the areas observed. As international observers, we report what we see, not rumours. So far, this election has been peaceful and credible.”
The civil society groups also applauded INEC’s early deployment of materials and personnel.
The Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, Ms. Cynthia Mbamalu, stated, “Our observers were up early in the morning to monitor arrival times, and we saw that materials and INEC officials arrived as early as 7:34 a.m. in Amawbia, Awka South. Commencement of voting by 8:30 a.m., as stipulated by the Electoral Act, shows a high level of readiness and efficiency by INEC.”
Similarly, Dominic Okafor, representing Aguata Federal Constituency, after casting his vote at Polling Unit 004, Umuechefu Hall, Igboukwu, said, “I must commend the INEC Chairman and his team. The officials arrived on time, the BVAS is functioning properly, and the process has been seamless so far. Voters are conducting themselves peacefully and participation is impressive.”
The Chairman of Orumba South Local Government Area, Shedrack Azubuike, also expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise.
“The election is peaceful and well-organised. The officials are efficient, and the people are turning out responsibly to exercise their civic duties. This is how democracy should work,” the statement quoted him as saying.
The statement concluded with a reaffirmation from the INEC Chairman, Prof Amupitan (SAN) of the Commission’s resolve to uphold the credibility of the process.
