Against the backdrop of the criticism trailing the planned allocation of 30,000 polling unit by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Commission, Wednesday, explained the rationale behind its decision, saying it will not confer any political advantage to anybody, region or political group.
Speaking to journalists at a press briefing in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said it was the need rather than political factor that necessitated the planned distribution of the polling units.
He noted that the criticisms were unjustified as the initiative was aimed at moving the country forward.
The INEC boss explained that the only person to enjoy from the creation of the new polling units are the voters, as the idea would make voting easier.
Jega clarified that the Commission was yet to create the additional polling units, as only the framework and guidelines to facilitate it that had been approved.
Jega faulted the critics for focusing on the planned polling units rather than considering the distribution of the entire 150,000 polling units.
He also noted that with the current 120, 000 polling units, some states have more polling units than they should have.
He said: “INEC’s decision to re-configure the structure of polling units as well as create additional ones is driven by our collective aspirations as Nigerians to reform and improve upon the electoral process for free, fair, peaceful and credible elections in 2015 and beyond. There is no sectional or parochial agenda in this decision and there will never be any such agenda under this commission.
“They know my antecedent. I am not a religious jingoist. It is only those who do not want progress that are laying accusation. Nigeria must move forward. We must not allow our fear to hold us in prison.”
Continuing, he said: “About 150, 000 polling units are required to ensure right-sizing of our polling units based on the number of registered voters. There is no gain-saying the fact that there have been demographic shifts across the country since 1996 when the current structure was established. Many cities have seen sizable new settlements developed. Most of the new settlements have no polling units located in them or in fact even within reasonable distances.”
