THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday announced that it will conduct the signature verification exercise for the recall of embattled senator representing Kogi West, Senator Dino Melaye, in seven local councils on Saturday.
Addressing reporters in Lokoja, the state capital, during the stakeholders meeting on the recall, the INEC National Commissioner Supervising Kogi, Kwara and Nassarawa states, Mohammed Haruna, assured that the electoral body has no interest in the process, other than to ensure that the process is followed through as spelt out by the law.
“INEC has absolutely no interest in who wins or loses,” he explained.
Haruna urged those concerned to adhere strictly with the laid down process as spelt out by the laws guiding the process.
Highlighting the process so far undertaken, the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. James Apam, explained that more than 50 per cent of the constituents of the senatorial district, “plus at least one person”, must affirm that their signatures or thumbprints were verified by INEC in the 560 polling units in the Kogi West Senatorial District.
According to him, the process would be undertaken across the 560 wards of Kogi West, between 8am and 2pm on Saturday.
He said the Card Reader Machine would be employed for the exercise, adding that those who did not append the recall petition in the first instance, would not partake.
Apam added that polling units, where malfunction is experienced, would be cancelled and/or redone, if the number involved would substantially affect the outcome.
“All I want to tell you is that we are ready to commence on April 28, from 8am-2pm, in the seven LGAs of the senatorial district. What we are doing is in compliance with what the law says,” the REC explained.
He added that applications from local observers would be entertained in Lokoja, the state capital, till Friday.
Outcome of the signature verification exercise is expected to be made public on Sunday.