Globaltimes 
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmud Yakubu has replied those asking him to join the 2023 presidential race.
Prof. Yakubu replied via a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Lawrence Oyekanmi on Sunday, describing himself as an umpire who should not be seen partaking in partisan politics.
The statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to innuendoes in certain quarters that Nigerians should not be surprised if the INEC Chairman joins the Presidential race or urging him to do so. It is a preposterous proposition. It will not happen.
“The Chairman remains an umpire committed to free, fair and credible elections. His constitutional responsibilities as the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation and Returning Officer for the presidential election are onerous enough for him to even contemplate straying into extraneous matters at variance with the law, morality and his personal principles.
“The Chairman will continue to discharge his responsibilities without affection for, or illwill against, any political party or candidate
