Buhari and INEC disagree on election financing, commission blames forex and inflation

The Independent National Electoral Commission has expressed a dissenting opinion with the chairman, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Retired), on the impact of the attacks on the offices and facilities of the body election in different parts of the country and what impact will it have on him.

While the president said the electoral body had no excuse for not holding credible, free and fair elections despite the attacks, as the funds he requested had been put at its disposal, INEC noted that its funds were overwhelmed by the attacks as it would need to rebuild and replace the destroyed facilities.

Buhari had assured the United States of America on Friday that the attacks on the offices would not stop the progress of the general elections next year.

The president spoke in Washington DC during a conversation co-hosted by the American Institute for Peace, the International Republican Institute, the National Endowment for Democracy and the International Foundation for electoral systems.

The President attended the United States-Africa Leaders Summit held from December 13-15, 2022.

During the session monitored by Sunday PUNCH, the president also described Nigerian politics as argumentative and spiteful.

Buhari said in his opening remarks, "Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, The stage is now set for Nigeria to hold another general election in February 2023. I am resolute in my determination to enable the conduct of free elections and fair and transparent national elections in the first quarter of 2023 whose result will be widely accepted by the candidates.

“Since 2015, the conduct of our elections has continued to improve. Since the 2019 general elections, by-elections and off-season elections in Edo, Ekiti, Anambra and Osun States have largely been conducted with improved content to the satisfaction of candidates and voters. voters. This is what we hope for in 2023. Nigeria and the United States of America share many attributes. Apart from being among the largest democracies in the world, the Nigerian constitutional framework and brand of democracy is modeled after the United States of America. Both countries are the largest economies as well as the most populous in their respective continents. »

Asked about INEC's preparedness and capacity to organize the 2023 general elections to advance the democratic process, Buhari replied that the commission was fully prepared for the upcoming polls.

He said, "Thank you very much. You asked if INEC is ready to hold elections next year, I will say they are because I have made sure that they received all the resources they requested. I want no excuse for saying that the government denied them funds.

“Although some of their offices in one or two geopolitical areas were attacked, INEC still did not press charges. Exactly, they can't complain that they've been denied resources to make sure their infrastructure is in place. »

On the question of whether the attacks on the INEC offices could hinder the electoral process, the president said that it would not be the case, stating: "It will not be the case. I think there were two incidents. Remember that we have six geopolitical zones. If two offices in the same geopolitical zone are affected, I think the security is good. The results of the elections in Anambra , Osun and Ekiti, through them, Nigerians appreciated that this administration defended them to choose their political parties. This is the fundamental element of democracy. Let the people choose. I think Nigerians surrender account.

“Politics in our country is generally an argumentative and resentful affair. These characteristics do not necessarily diminish the very manner of democracy. Governance is the product of resentful debate to secure the bidding of the majority of the people or representatives. More importantly, such an outcome represents the will of the people and not just that of the rulers. Our political journey in recent years has largely been guided by these attributes of democracy. This process does not lend itself to quick decisions.

“The characteristic compromises of democracy necessarily make governance an extremely slow process. I'm sure you know the reference to me as "Baba Go Slow". My compatriots would prefer that every day new political decisions or actions be dictated by the government in a military administration. But we are in a democracy and a converted democrat like me must listen and / or be guided by the majority of opinions and above all, must learn to understand the ripple effects of actions before they are taken. p>

However, INEC has called on the federal government to step up its efforts to protect its facilities and assets nationwide...