Zakari Pledges to Address INEC’s Shortcomings

Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ambassador Amina Bala Zakari


The newly-appointed acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ambassador Amina Bala Zakari, has said he would strive to improve on noticeable mistakes the commission made during the last elections.
Against the background of protests from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over her appointment, Zakari said she would build on the achievements of her predecessor and would continue working until a new commission is constituted.

In her speech shortly after assuming office, Zakari said she accepts her appointment with humility and with dedication to serve.

“Challenges cannot be envisaged because they come as the need arises. So we tackle them as they come-one day at a time. And then try to sort out administrative issues then the major electoral issues, which a lot has been put into. We just need to improve where INEC seems to have failed or erred during the last elections.”

She noted that her assumption is “just a continuation to what the former Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, has started which has been at a high level and there shouldn’t be any problem.

“I have been part of the process: I have known the problems, challenges and I have seen the successes. What is remaining is for us to build on the successes and try to tackle the outstanding challenges.

“I must say a lot has been done to improve the electoral processes in Nigeria through the past chairman and a lot more needs to be done. I must say it is like trying to reach an equilibrium because the bulk of the work has been done by former Chairman, Jega, to bring the quality of changes to election management to a high level.

“So all we need to do is to put all hands on deck to improve further on what he has done and improve on the good practices he has left behind. Basically, with the cooperation of all, and the support of staff and the people of Nigeria, we should be able to do it pending when a new commission is put in place.”

Speaking on her ability as chairman to deliver on elections, she said: “Basically, half of the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) are on seat and half of the National Commissioners are on seat; so we will deliver the best we can until a new commission is put in place.

“We will continue working until a new Commission is constituted. The job will continue; we still have the Secretary, the Directors and the Commissioners. The Commission will be doing what it needs to do,” she said.