Professor Yakubu Mahmood, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC on Tuesday said the Commission will terminate the appointments of staff of the Commission indicted in the ongoing probe of bribery by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Professor Mahmood who spoke at the second quarterly consultative meeting with the Chairmen and Secretaries of registered Political Parties said INEC will take action when the allegations against such workers have been proven beyond doubt.
“INEC will also take further administrative action against staff found culpable in this dastardly conduct. We will not hesitate to interdict staff where prima facie cases have been established against them by EFCC and immediately terminate the appointments of those indicted.”
The INEC Chairman also revealed that applications for registration of 32 new political parties are being processed as the Commission remains committed to the opening of the democratic space in line with the laid down laws and guidelines.
He also revealed that the Commission is making progress with the prosecution of election offenders, as shown in the recently held bye-election in Minjibir Constituency in Kano State.
“INEC legal team and the Police have successfully secured the conviction of 42 suspects.
This is the highest number of convictions in a single case ever achieved by the Commission.”
INEC Chairman also explained that out of 80 court ordered re-run elections, the Commission had successfully conducted 49 and has 31 elections pending as well as one bye election.
They are: one election in Anambra, four in Imo, one bye-election in Kano, three in Kogi, one in Plateau and 22 in Rivers.
Professor Mahmood added that except for Anambra and Plateau re-run elections which are sub-judice, the Commission have started the processes of consultation leading to the completion of the outstanding elections.
“We welcome suggestions by political parties on areas of amendment you consider important for inclusion in the comprehensive proposal we intend to submit to the National Assembly,” the INEC Chairman said while challenging the political parties to bring forward suggestions they wanted included in the proposed amendment of the Electoral Act