The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved 21 observer groups to participate in the Sokoto governorship election scheduled for Saturday.

The Secretary to the commission, Abdullahi Kaugama, said in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja that the approval was sequel to the submission of applications and final assessment by INEC.

Mr. Kaugama directed the groups to report to the Election Monitoring and Observation Unit at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. up to Friday to obtain and complete EMOC 002 Form.

“In order to ensure prompt and efficient processing of identification cards, all the accredited observer groups are enjoined to compile the photographs of their members for deployment in Sokoto,” he said.

The photographs, accompanied by the names, are to be submitted in hard and soft copies to the Election Monitoring and Observation Unit. 

The secretary, however, said that observer groups not approved would be reprimanded if they were found in Sokoto during the elections.

He directed the approved groups to direct any enquiries to the head of the observation unit.

The approved groups are the Centre for Strategic Conflict Management, Human Rights Monitor, Nigeria Police Service Commission, Women’s Right to Education and Cleen Foundation.

They include the Transition Monitoring Group, Rights Monitoring Group, Reclaim Naija and Independent Election Monitoring Group, Centre for Grass Roots Development and Crime Prevention as well as the Centre for Policy Advocacy and Leadership Development.

Others are the Alliance for Credible Elections, Nigerian Bar Association, Federation of Muslim Lawyers, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Organisation of Justice for Equity and the Centre for Peace Building and Socio Economic Resource Development.

The Society for the Protection of Human Rights, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NEPAD Nigeria, Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms and PLAC also make up the organizations included on the list.