How 9th Assembly’s Efforts Helped Improve 2023 Polls – Gbajabiamila

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has said efforts of the 9th Assembly helped in improving the 2023 general elections.

Speaking in Abuja while welcoming his colleagues back from the governorship and state assembly elections, the Speaker admitted that the elections were not perfect.

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He however stated that it was progress in the country’s efforts to ensure credible polls, assuring that the House would ensure passage of the Electoral Offences Commission bill before the expiration of its tenure in June.

“Any objective assessment of these elections will show marked improvements from prior outings.  This is not to suggest perfection but to acknowledge evident progress in our collective efforts to ensure elections we can all be proud of,” he said.

“With each new election season, we become more aware of areas requiring changes to ensure a better outing next time.  This process of ongoing reform and continuous improvement must continue.

“As a necessary first step, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should collaborate with stakeholders to conduct a meticulous assessment of the election process.  This is necessary to inform further reforms and improvements.”

Gbajabiamila also emphasised on the bill seeking to establish the Electoral Offences Commission, saying, “The Electoral Offences Act is one area where we must take action before the culmination of the 9th House of Representatives.

“The Act is necessary to ensure effective enforcement against individuals and organisations whose violations of our electoral laws undermine our constitution and threaten our democracy.   A system of vigorous prosecution and punishment of electoral offenders will serve as a deterrent to others in the future and help build confidence in our elections.”