The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says it would review its relationship with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over the involvement of the apex bank governor, Godwin Emefiele in politics.
Emefiele, is a card carrying member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a presidential hopeful on the party’s platform.
The revelation of his membership of the ruling party and presidential ambition, had drawn criticisms from civil society groups and lawyers, who warned that the development could taint the integrity of INEC and undermine the credibility of the coming election.
INEC’s sensitive materials are always in the custody of the CBN.
However, in a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Rotimi Oyekanmi, said the commission would look at the implication of the develoment and take necessary action.
He said, “The strategic partnership between the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Independent National Electoral Commission which enables the commission to store its sensitive election materials with the CBN, has been in place for many years and beneficial in several ways.
“Indeed, there have been various reports that the CBN governor is nursing an intention to run for the office of President. But, he has yet to formally declare his intention to run for the office of president as of today.
“However, if and when he eventually does, the commission will look at the implications and take a decision on what becomes of the long-standing strategic partnership with the CBN.”
