As the nation gears up for the 2015 general election, Professor Attahiru Jega, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has advised Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs, to remain focused and neutral in all their activities in order to give the nation a credible, free and fair election.

Jega gave the warning at the quarterly meeting with the RECs in Abuja. He encouraged them to provide a level playing field for all the political parties and the stakeholders.

“All eyes are on us as we prepare for 2015 elections and we have made commitment to the Nigerian people that 2015 general election will be much better than 2011,” he said.

Jega noted that as the elections draw closer, the political climate would be filled with activities and this accounts for why the RECs need to remain focused.

“As the 2015 elections draw closer, we have the enormous responsibility to deliver on the promise of free, fair and credible elections, no doubt, the closer we get, the more heated the political atmosphere becomes,” he said.

He also emphasized the need for compliance with permissible laws and standards in giving Nigerians the best elections in the country’s history, saying “the most important thing is for us to satisfy our conscience that whatever we do, we should do it in full compliance with the legal framework and the best expected standards of ethical conduct.’’