Despite Fuel, Naira Scarcity, INEC Boss Says 2023 Polls would Hold As Scheduled

The February 25 and March 11 general elections will be held despite the fuel scarcity and the limited availability of Naira notes nationwide.

Mahmood Yakubu,  Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, stated this at the State House  shortly after briefing President Muhammadu Buhari and other members of the Federal Executive Council at the State House, Abuja.

He explained that  the commission has overcome the two major possible obstacles to its operations; fuel scarcity and the scarcity of naira notes.

“Rest assured that the elections will be held on February 25 for the Presidential and National Assembly and March 11 for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly,” he said.

However, Mahmood declined to comment on the Supreme Court’s decision to restrain the Federal Government from proceeding with the new naira policy.

Professor Yakubu had complained to the governor of the Central Bank Godwin Emefiele that the twin crises of new Naira swap and fuel shortage would obstruct the conduct of the elections.

The INEC chairman said the naira scarcity was making it difficult for the commission to pay some of its service provider just as he added that fuel scarcity would affect transportation and other logistics.