Politics

FG committed to strengthening electoral process — SGF Akume

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume has said that the current administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed towards ensuring fair, transparent and accountable electoral processes he described as foundation of democracy in Nigeria.

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, on Monday in Abuja.

SGF in a statement by the Director, Information, Segun Imohiosen, said the gathering was the convergence of the nation’s collective interest with a shared vision to uphold the sanctity of its electoral processes.

“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,” the SGF emphasised.

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

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

He 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.”

The SGF, lauded the Director of the African Electoral Integrity Initiative, Dr Daniel Omofoman, for his unwavering dedication to the cause of political integrity in Nigeria, while charging participants and all Nigerians to join hands in ensuring a brighter and more transparent electoral future for the country.

Executive Director of African Electoral Integrity Initiative, Dr Daniel Omofoman, assured SGF that the meeting would provide opportunity to explore workable solutions and suggestions that would strengthen and revolutionise the nation’s electoral processes thereby deepening democracy.

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