Nigeria's electoral body accredits 88 observer groups for next month polls

Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved 88 observer groups to participate in the 2015 general elections.

Out of the 88 approved observer groups, 72 were domestic and 16 were international groups, the commission said in a statement reaching Xinhua on Saturday.

The groups were approved, because they complied with the requirements and guidelines issued by the commission for accreditation of observers, the commission added.

The commission warned that observer groups, other than those listed, found in any part of the country for the elections would be handed over to law enforcement agencies.

It also cautioned that accredited field observers found in the states other than where they were assigned would be sanctioned.

The statement called on the accredited groups to obtain and complete form EPMC 02 for the elections.

It added that the distribution of observer kits, including Identity cards for individual observers, would be done at INEC offices in the states between Feb. 10 and 13.

Nigeria's electoral umpire has fixed the Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 14, 2015.

The commission also fixed state assembly and governorship elections for Feb. 28. Endi