Be patient with INEC, Commonwealth observers urge Nigerians

The Commonwealth Observer Group led by former president of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, has said Nigeria’s 2023 general elections were “largely peaceful” despite administrative and logistics hurdles at many polling units.

Mbeki, who delivered his team’s preliminary assessment of the electoral process at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, said Nigerians were largely accorded the right to vote.

“We congratulate all Nigerians for their determination, patience and resilience displayed throughout the electoral process, “he said.

He urged all citizens to exercise patience to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its staff to conclude the results process peacefully.

“We call on all those with grievances to address disputes through prescribed legal channels.

“The time now is for restraint and continued patience as we await the final results,” he said.

He commended the commitment shown by voters despite the late arrival of election officials and materials at many polling units, technical issues with the biometric identification machines in some cases, and delays with the live results transmission system.