Head of Research at SBM Intelligence, Ikemesit Effiong has indicated that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not put up its best performance in the ongoing presidential election.

According to him, this has happened despite having made an enormous investment into the commission prior to the election, adding that the INEC had allocated 350 billion Naira for the organisation of the election.

"Voting had to be extended right in about 16 states and that is despite the years of preparations that INEC has had, despite the copious amounts of financial support that go out of the Federal. ... I think the dominant story in this cycle has been that from a logistical standpoint, INEC did not put its best foot forward," he said.

The researcher added that although a massive number of Nigerians thronged the various polling stations to cast their vote, they must have been "operationally disenfranchised" in the process due to poor organisation by the INEC.

According to him, some factors that have characterised the election are the late opening of polling stations, and delays in ballot materials amongst others.

Speaking on the JoyNews' AM Show, a Ghanaian Senior Lecturer of Political Science at the University of Ghana, Dr. Asah Asante expressed optimism about the success of the election, adding that what is positive is that the Nigerians have expressed the "tenacity for purpose" in that they have been able to stand and cast their ballots in the wake of challenges.

Africa's most populous country, Nigeria commenced its presidential election on February 25, 2023. To ensure a peaceful election, the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) led by former President John Dramani Mahama toured some states.

Mr. Dramani lauded the INEC for being able to gain ahead of the election, the confidence of all parties.

Meanwhile, current developments indicate some degree of aggression that has characterised the election as some thugs violently invaded certain polling stations. Following with this, security has been beefed up to ensure a peaceful election.

Having faced various challenges in the course of the election, the INEC hopes to resolve issues quickly and announce the results by close of day today, February 27.