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By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has admitted irregularities in the conduct of the February 25th National Assembly elections in Sokoto state.

The national commissioner deployed to supervise the forthcoming gubernatorial and state assemblies elections, retired Major General Modibbo Alkali, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday in Sokoto.

He said it was the anomalies that resulted in the removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state among other things.

He assured that the system will be strengthened to correct anomalies and ensure a transparent election in the coming March 11 governorship and state assembly elections.

He noted that some stipulated election guidelines, improper use of the Biomodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and violence have marred the February 25 election and assured better and more transparent future elections.

“INEC considered all the abnormalities and suspended February 25 NASS elections in Sokoto state.

“You can see none of the National Assembly members from Sokoto state was issued with a certificate of return at INEC Headquarters in Abuja.

“The electoral umpire is reviewing the whole activity, with a view to correct and rectify all the anomalies and give the election all the credibility needed for equity and justice,” Alkali stated.

He said security agencies were fully conducted to safeguard peoples lives during the exercise and urged political parties as well as other stakeholders to support INEC in conducting hitch-free elections.

He reiterated INEC’s neutrality and unbiased position in conducting free, fair and transparent elections and enjoined Nigerians, especially youths, against engaging in violence and election malpractices.

At the meeting, heads of different political parties ventilated their grievances and presented areas that they need INEC to adjust in the coming elections.

No fewer than 471 polling units were disrupted due to violence during the presidential and National Assembly elections across Sokoto state on February 25.