Politics

Akume: FG committed to free, transparent elections

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, says the Federal Government is committed to fair, transparent, and accountable electoral system as foundation of democracy in the country.

Akume stated this while inaugurating the Stakeholders Meeting on Policy Oversight for Electoral Integrity in Nigeria, convened by his office, in collaboration with the African Electoral Integrity Initiative, in Abuja on Monday, November 6, 2023.

According to him, the gathering elucidates the convergence of the nation’s collective interest with a shared vision to uphold the sanctity of its electoral processes.

The SGF added: “It signifies a critical milestone in our collective pursuit of a free, fair, transparent, and equitable electoral system.

“We have gathered here as unified assembly of Stakeholders, representing Independent National Electoral Commission and other Election Management Bodies, Political Parties, Civil Society Organisations, Law Enforcement Agencies, Media, International Development Partners, and distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen with a common goal to hone and fortify our democracy.”

Akume noted that the primary objective of the forum would be to scrutinise the country’s existing electoral legislations, endeavour to identify best practices that will serve as guidelines for free, fair, and transparent elections.

He assured that more efforts would be put in place to make Nigeria elections more effective and efficient by adopting technological tools in the electoral processes.

The SGF said: “I want to emphasise that the responsibility for safeguarding the integrity of our electoral processes rests not only with the government but on all of us.

“Let us work together to uphold the principles of free, fair and transparent electoral system, for the benefit of all Nigerians and the sustainability of our democracy.”

Akume, who expressed gratitude of the Federal Government to the Director of the African Electoral Integrity Initiative, Dr Daniel Omofoman, for his dedication to the political integrity in Nigeria, charged participants and all Nigerians to join hands in ensuring a brighter and more transparent electoral future for the country.

Speaking, Omofoman assured that the meeting would accord them the opportunity to explore workable solutions and suggestions that would strengthen and revolutionise the nation’s electoral processes thereby deepening democracy.

The Star