2023 polls: Jega clears air on saying election was compromised

A former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega has reacted to reports of him saying the 2023 elections were compromised.

Reports had it that Jega made the remark at a two-day retreat organised by the Senate in Ikot Ipene, Akwa Ibom State.

Jega was quoted as saying: “We have seen, in 2023 elections, the damaging effect of how people in the corridors of power get their client/partisan nominees appointed, without being thoroughly screened, and then they are influenced to compromise the integrity of elections.”

Reacting, Jega said the report was not a true reflection of his position.

A terse statement by his Senior Research Assistant, Princess Hamman-Obels, reads partly: “The attention of Prof. Attahiru Jega has been drawn to a misleading report published in a number of online newspapers quoting him to have commented that the 2023 elections were compromised.

“The report making the rounds is incorrect and not an accurate reflection of the presenter’s position.

“Professor Jega categorically denies making this particular comment about the 2023 polls.”