INEC seeks alternatives to CBN over Emefiele presidential ambition

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday said it was looking at alternatives to the Central Bank of Nigeria for the purpose of keeping sensitive materials meant for 2023 elections.

The chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said this in Abuja on Thursday during a consultative meeting with journalists.

Recall that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, had indicated interest in vying for the position of the president on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in 2023.

Responding to a question on Emefiele’s political ambition, Yakubu said the commission might be forced to find another arrangement for the handling of sensitive materials.

The INEC chairman noted that the CBN was responsible for the storage and movement of sensitive materials, adding that the commission had never doubt the capacity of the CBN.

He said, “But I understand the context in which the question is asked. As we speak, our director, litigation and prosecution is in court.

“But we are already started talking about what alternatives are available to us in case we need to change the arrangement for the handling of sensitive materials.

“Things may be addressed before then. I want to assure you that we will not jeopardize the conduct of the election.”