Photo: Vanguard

INEC Chairman Prof Attahiru Jega.

Abuja — Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Profesor Attahiru Jega, has invited Edo State Governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, the governorship candidate of Action Congress of Nigeria, and that of Peoples' Democratic Party, PDP, General Charles Airhiavbere, in the July 12 governorship election, to a meeting in Abuja, tomorrow.

Also invited for the crucial meeting were the national and Edo State chairmen and secretaries of all the affected political parties.

Citing reasons for inviting the stakeholders to the meeting, Jega said: "The commission is deeply concerned about unfolding events in Edo State which are capable of overheating the polity and pose a fundamental threat to the integrity of the impending governorship election and indeed, the stability of our democracy.

"To avert further deterioration of the situation, the commission has invited the chairmen and secretaries (national and state) as well as candidates of all the parties contesting the governorship election in Edo State; namely, ACN, All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP; Congress for Progressive Change, CPC; Labour Party, LP; National Conscience Party, NCP; PDP and Social Democratic Mega Party, SDMP, to a meeting at the national headquarters of the commission on May 18, to address the concerns of all stakeholders."

He added that the commission had received petitions containing allegations and counter-allegations from various political parties concerning the poll.

Jega said; "Some of the accusations are directed at political parties and candidates, while others are directed at the Commission's preparations for the election."

He noted that the principles that had guided the work of INEC were transparency, honesty and creation of a level playing field for all political parties and their candidates, adding that the Commission remains committed to these principles.

He reassured political parties, candidates and indeed all Nigerians of its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible governorship election in Edo State.