INEC to review recruitment of collation, returning officers – Yakubu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sought the input of collation and returning officers in its determination to review the recruitment, training and posting of such officers in subsequent elections.

The INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, also said the result management system would be reviewed, following some Nigerians’ complaints about the system deployed in the 2023 general elections.

Speaking during the post-election review meeting with collation and returning officers in Abuja on Friday, the chairman stated that the commission would assess its strengths and weaknesses so that the results management system could be improved.

Yakubu said, “Issues have arisen and some Nigerians have raised concerns about result management at various levels. While some of the issues are subject to litigation and therefore subjudice, we can nevertheless discuss them broadly and most importantly share our experience on the way forward.

“It is therefore the commission’s expectation that at this meeting we will identify areas of strength and weakness as well as the necessary reforms we need to introduce going forward.

“More specifically, and from your practical experience in the 2023 general elections, we would like to hear your perspectives on the processes and procedures for recruitment, training and posting of collation and returning officers.”

He said the commission was also looking into the logistics for movement to and from their place of assignment, the integrity of the collation and declaration procedure, including the application of the law, regulations and guidelines for result management.

He also cited for review the role of technology in result management, security of collation/returning officers and the collation centres, conduct of party agents and election observers during collation and the conduct of security personnel.”