The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

  • INEC recognises Abdulrazaq as Kwara APC gov candidate

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday expressed worries over the spate of political violence in Kwara state.

    INEC added the recent political violent attacks in Ilorin, the state capital were disturbing and worrisome.

    The state INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Garba Attahiru said this at the signing of a peace accord by political parties organised by the commission.

    Attahiru added that the commission registered 1.4 million voters in the state, adding 1.1 million had collected their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs).

    The INEC boss assured of the preparedness of the commission to conduct free, fair and credible election in the state.

    He said that the “Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is in existence as result of political parties. No INEC without political parties and I urge all political parties to talk to their supporters to follow rules and regulations of the game.

    “It is God that gives power and power is for service delivery to the people. We should desist from campaign of calumny and engage in issue based campaigns.”

    Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of police Bashir Makama said the command had arrested some unidentified number of political thugs in connection with the recent attacks in the state.

    Read Also: INEC to engage 14, 000 adhoc staff

    He added those arrested would soon be charged to court

    Makama also threatened to arrest political parties’ leaders whose members are found to be fomenting trouble in the state.

    No fewer than 23 representatives of the political parties eventually appended their signatures to the peace accord.

    Two factions initially showed up for the All Progressives Congress (APC) but the court-recognised Ishola Balogun-Fulani faction eventually left even before the commencement of the programme.

    This left the National Working Committee-recognised Bashir Bolarinwa to sign the accord on behalf of the APC.

    The exclusion of the Balogun-Fulani faction from the important exercise appears to have rested the rumour the INEC will recognise its candidates in the coming polls in Kwara, thereby confirming AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the governorship candidate of the party especially that his candidature did not form a part of the issues decided in the court case by the Balogun-Fulani faction.

    Balogun-Fulani is a known follower of Senate President Bukola Saraki and his decision to remain in the APC had long been called an attempt to destabilise the opposition.

  • 2019: We are good to go – INEC

    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has said that INEC is good to go as far as the 2019 general elections are concerned.

    Yakubu also reassured the international community and the country that the 2019 general elections will be credible, free, fair and transparent.

    He spoke on Wednesday when he received the delegation of the European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US)

    He also stressed that 2019 elections will be credible, as the commission will jealously guide the processes. Yakubu also assured Nigerians that the outcome of the polls will meet the expectations of all as all votes will count.

    “We are good to go for the 2019 general elections. We are aware that the election is going to be an intense media event but only that international community will also intensely watch the processes as they have always done and I want to assure you that we will not fail the international community and will not fail the nation. We are aware that the long term EU observation mission is on ground, and also the ECOWAS observation mission, so the international community is already in Nigeria for the elections.

    “2019 elections will be credible, we will jealously guide the processes, we will ensure that the processes lead to the outcome that all Nigerians expect. Nothing but free, fair, credible elections will be good enough for the commission,” he said.

    He also reiterated the assurance that “vote will count in 2029 general elections. We are ready for free, fair and transparent process such that will confirm the position of Nigeria in international community as a nation that conducts credible elections. 2015 is not a fluke, it was a product of deliberate planning and 2019 is going to be the same

    Yakubu who also briefed his guest on the preparation of the commission towards the elections said, “we are at the moment outing finishing touches to our preparation for the elections. The first election will hold on 16th February with the national elections, presidential and National Assembly and the second election will hold on the 2nd of March, which is the state elections. The governorship, state assembly and election into area councils in the Federal capital territory. All the heavy items for the elections are being procured in addition to ballot boxes, voting cubicles, replacement smart card readers. The permanent voter cards have also been delivered to the states for collection by citizens.”

    He also revealed that the commission is recruiting and will soon commence training for adhoc staff for the elections.

    Read Also: No voting with temporary voter card- INEC

    Speaking earlier, David Young, Charge D,Affairs of the US embassy in Abuja pointed to the expected neutrality of the security agencies during the elections.

    He stressed that they must stick to their role of protecting the electorates and ballot materials and avoid any form of interference with the voting process.

    “I would want express the concern that we have and that is the neutrality of the security services. For us it is very important in the ongoing season that the security services are very smart, provide security for the elections. Security in the safety of the process. It should be done in such a way that it does not interfere with people getting to the polls, poll watchers, civil society organization and other to have access to ensure the voting goes freely both in February 16th and March 2nd. This is something we have been deliberating strongly about. The neutrality of the security services is one is one of the very very important issues for credible elections,” he said.

    Young also spoke on the need for a better synergy among the three arms of government, saying that the executive, legislature and judiciary are crucial to democracy.

    He said, “I also want to say that we appreciate very much the important the role judiciary plays in Nigeria.”

    Stressing the collaborative role the legislature, executive and judiciary plays in democracy, Young therefore warned that there should be no interference with the role of judges and judiciary in democracy.

    He also stressed that the US is very supportive of Nigeria and is therefore looking forward to playing a supporting role as a fellow democratic partner.

    The EU Head of Delegation to Ketil Karlsen said the delegation was in INEC to receive briefing on the preparedness of the commission towards the forthcoming general polls.

    EU he said regards itself as good friend of the country and would do everything possible to support the success of the democratic process. He also noted that EU long term observe is already in the country.

    He also reiterated that EU does not have any preferred candidate or party or ideology in the elections, rather the interest of the delegation is in the conduct of free, far and transparent elections.

    He also noted that the success of the 2015 general poll in Nigeria has already set the benchmark in Africa and it is expected that the 2019 general elections will follow the same pattern.

    EU stressed that it will only partner with whosoever emerged from the polls.

    German Minister Counsellor/Deputy Head of Mission, Regine Hess urged all the stakeholders to ensure violence free elections come February and March polls.

    She also commended the peace committee, while urging the stakeholders to abide by the peace pact.

    The delegation also joined the commission in inaugurating the Election Monitoring Support Centre, where all the elections will be monitored. The office is essentially an ICT driven.

     

     

  • Election: Saraki cautions against overheating polity

    The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki has cautioned politicians against overheating the polity ahead the general elections.

    Saraki made this call while delivering his welcome speech at the resumption of plenary on Wednesday.

    The National Assembly had on December 20, 2018, proceeded on Christmas break to resume on January 16.

    He said it was important for political leaders to help reduce tension in the polity by contributing to an atmosphere of moderate political conversations.

    He further called on the Executive to uphold the Constitution and its tenets, particularly basic requirement of separation of power, unity and welfare of the citizens.

    According to him, the exercise of power must be done in the best democratic principles.

    “The former US, President Obama’s Doctrine of Restraint as a key feature in the use of power would be recommended to us in this polity at this crucial time.

    “Some of the reports and occurrences in recent times speak to this need for restraint.

    “Those who exercise power should do their best to avoid any action that stands the risk of being misconstrued as coloured by partisan considerations.”

    On the role of the Judiciary in promoting justice and bringing respect to the country, Saraki said there was a need to respect it as an arm of government.

    “Everyone in the political value chain should therefore do nothing that would raise tension in the country.

    “Nigerians are looking up to leaders who will douse flames that have the potential to threaten the peace and well-being of our country.

    “I urge you, my distinguished colleagues, to bear all this in mind as we move towards the end of this historic Senate.

    “The integrity of the constitution must be preserved at all times; and service to the people in a unified country should be our ultimate goal in all that we do as legislators.

    “I enjoin us all to bear in mind that it should be a contest of ideas. We should eschew ad hominem approaches to political discourse, and communicate our ideas in a civil manner”.

    Saraki also said “the issue of PVCs remains a concern.

    The president of the senate called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to give urgent attention to the matter.

    According to him, issue has similarly been raised about people buying PVCs; this should also be looked into.

    “Let me take this opportunity to reiterate the need for INEC to bring relevant stakeholders together for a dialogue on a way forward to tackle these issues, ahead of the elections.

    “Everything must be done and every sacrifice must be made to ensure free and fair 2019 elections. INEC is encouraged to engage the parties and be transparent in its decision making.

    “It is important that the people are assured of the Commission’s resolve and commitment to credible elections.

    “To all Nigerians, we must have a country after the elections. We all still have to live among ourselves when the polls have closed and the elections are over.

    “The rhetoric leading up to the elections must therefore be mindful of the need for moderation, decorum and respect.

    “To those of us who are contesting, let us remember that our biggest offer is to serve.”

    Read Also: Kwara police deny threat to Saraki’s life

    He equally said, ultimately, the Nigerian people have a right to choose who will represent them at all levels. It is not a do-or-die affair.

    He encouraged all Nigerians to participate in the coming polls and while wishing all a safe 2019 election.

    On the legislature, Saraki assured Nigerians that despite heightened political activities leading to the general elections, the National Assembly would continue its legislative activities.

    Saraki said despite the season, the legislature would work hard to fulfil its mandates as contained in the 1999 Constitution (Amended).

    “Distinguished colleagues, it is an honour to welcome you all back after the festive break.

    “Although, the political season has swung into full gear, it is my hope that you were able to get a bit of rest and you have recharged your batteries, ready to dive back into legislative work with renewed vigour.

    “As evident all around us, the New Year has met our countrymen and women in an anticipatory mood. Spirits are high, because in this year 2019, Nigeria has a date with destiny.

    “But we also know that despite all, the work of leadership must go on; governance must not suffer,” he said.

    The president of the senate urged his colleagues not to relent in ensuring that the 8th Senate brought its legislative agenda to a fitting close.

    “We cannot relent or lose steam on this last lap. We must remain focused and finish strong.

    “This is an epoch making Senate that had, by the end of 2018, passed an unprecedented 257 bills.

    “Many of which are groundbreaking enough to change the game to meet the needs of Nigerians, with the potential to radically transform their lives for the better.

    “Nigerians expect us to continue in this vein, and we owe it to ourselves to meet their expectations.

    “The legacy of the 8th Senate will be written in the legislative footprints that we leave, and the foundation that we lay.”

    He further urged his colleagues to work towards in addressing issues affecting Nigerians, particularly unemployment, lack of economic opportunities and insecurity.

    “The 2019 Elections are just over a month away, and the expectations of Nigerians as the dates draw near, is that we continue to serve as the representatives they voted for.

    “In our work in this chamber, we are expected to rise about the partisan paradigm.

    “We should address our minds to, and always channel our efforts to how we can move our country forward.

    “Nigerians want to see leaders who will not succumb to the partisan instinct in lawmaking. They want to see leaders who will bring new ideas to bear on the challenges confronting the country.

    “These include out-of-school children figures; rebuilding the North East; securing the North West; increasing the Girl Child education as well as how we navigate our way in the economy for higher productivity,” he said.

    NAN

  • 2019: Presidential candidates back INEC’s guidelines

    A month to the presidential election, Forum of Presidential Candidates, on Tuesday threw its weight behind the guidelines released last Monday by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The candidates who said the released guidelines was a reflection of series of meetings between the political parties and INEC, cautioned stakeholders against causing any tension that may lead to violence before, during and after the elections.

    Part of the issued guidelines are barring collation officers from making or receiving telephone calls during ballot collation and also simultaneous accreditation and voting and mandatory use of Smart Card Readers (SRC).

    The presidential candidates, who noted the use of card reader has come to stay, blamed the National Assembly over its non- inclusion in the constitution as a legally recognised electoral instrument.

    While noting they filed a lawsuit to stop President Muhammadu Buhari from signing the recent amendment to the electoral law, the candidates lambasted the lawmakers for crowding the Amendement Bill with selfish provisions along with the recommendation for recognition of the card reader.

    Briefing reporters in Abuja on behalf of the candidates, the Presidential flagbearer of Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) Mohammed Shittu, who is also the Chairman of  Forum of Presidential Candidates, faulted the objection to simultaneous accreditation and voting by some political parties.

    Shittu noted that simultaneous accreditation and voting will help to address vote buying and ballot box snatching.

    Read Also: ‘INEC should conduct credible polls’

    He was flanked by the presidential candidate and national chairman of Movement for Restoration and Defence of Democracy (MRDD), Danjuma Muhammad and national chairman of Allied Peoples’s Movement, Yusuf Dantalle

    Shittu said: “We have been able to study the electoral guidelines recently released by INEC and it is what we agreed with them on 7th of January.

    “As presidential candidates, we have gone through the document and it is in order

    “We looked at the grey areas and from what was released we think the stage has been set for the electoral process.

    “As we go into the elections we urge Nigerians to conduct themselves well.

    They should think of nation first and not heat up the polity. Hate speed should be avoided.”

    While they noted that the use of card readers have come to stay, he said, “the immediate accreditation and voting system will help us to save time, vote buying and ballot box snatching.

    “When INEC was issuing this guideline what they told Nigerians is that this is the final guideline and I believe, we have one month to the election, I am sure that they will not issue another one.”

    Speaking on the card reader, Danjuma Mohammed, who accused lawmakers of having sinister motives, said they served a good dish by way of a card reader and spiced it with poisons “that was why we went to court.”

    Mohammed noted the lawmakers ought to have taken the issue of card reader as a separate as isolated amendment, “but they decided to bring in amendments that are not necessary.”

    According to him: “What they did was to expunge the issue of counting and called for announcement of votes. So within themselves if they get electoral officers who choose to compromise they will just announce results.

    “They didn’t mean well for the country their aim was to truncate Nigerian democracy. They should take responsibility for the failure of the card reader not being in the Electoral Act.”

  • ‘CAN has not endorsed any candidate’

    Ahead of the general election and the 2019 gubernatorial election in Kogi, the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Tuesday said that it has not endorsed any candidate.

    The body made the clarification during the “Interactive Session with Religious Leaders,” organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Lokoja, the state capital.

    The apex Christian association however stressed that the conduct of free, fair and credible election and security for the people remains of utmost concern.

    The leadership of the Jamal Nasir Islam (JNI) in the state, appealed for religious harmony, adding that the message of peace will continue to be preached by the clerics.

    Read Also: Adeboye canvasses living wages for workers

    The JNI chairman in the state, Ambassador Usman Bello however disagreed with the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. James Apam, over the level of insecurity in Kogi, asserting that the state has remained peaceful.

    He appealed to INEC to remain impartial, saying, “Once one side begins to feel cheated, the issue of injustice surfaces.”

    Leader of the state chapter of CAN to the parley, Special Apostle Isaac Ayo Okheme, expressed their preparedness to prevail on members to conduct themselves peacefully, before, during and after the exercises.

    “What is of concern to us is that INEC as a body should conduct free, fair and credible election. Security of the electorate should be very much guaranteed. On our part, we shall dedicate ourselves to the project that the people play their role peacefully,” he said.

     

     

  • 2019: INEC cannot afford to disappoint – Yakubu

    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral  Commission, (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has said that the commission cannot afford to disappoint Nigeria and the rest of the World in the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

    Yakubu therefore gave an assurance of an improved conduct of the  forthcoming general elections, saying that it will be an improvement of the 2015 polls.

    He spoke on Thursday when he receive in audience the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Bernhard Schlagheck and German Secretary of State Walter Lindner at the Commission’s headquarters, Abuja.

    He said the commission was determined not just to repeat the feat attained in the 2015 polls but to improve on it to further affirm the that the last general poll was not a fluke.

    He said: “We cannot afford to disappoint Nigerians, we shall not disappoint the international community. Each time we have visitors like you we have been encouraged.

    “We are aware that the eyes of the world are on Nigeria for the reasons you have mentioned and more.We are also aware that in 2015 Nigeria conducted elections that were commended around the world. We have been beneficiary of the elections. Each time we travelled on election observation around the world, not only to praise the achievements of Nigeria in 2015, but wish to learn on the experience of Nigeria.”

    He further added, “What Nigeria achieved in 2015 and what we hope to achieve in 2019 is not just in the handiwork of what you see in the commission, but also the commendation we received from the international community. So we appreciate these supports and I want to assure you that we will not let the world down.

    “What happened in 2015 is certainly not a fluke, we hope 2019 will be a further affirmation of maturity of Nigeria democracy.”

    Read Also: INEC’s anti-vote buying app

    He commended the support of the German government and development partners for their support to INEC and the ECONEC members, stressing that the commission was not unmindful of the interest of the international community on elections.

    He said: “It is 36 days today from the 2019 election; already the long term observation mission of the EU is in Nigeria for the election, this is a further affirmation of the interest of the international community on elections.”

    Earlier, Germany Secretary of State, Lindner reminded INEC that in 2015 Nigeria conducted election that was an example to the African Continent and the entire word,  which will be the standard with which the 2019 general elections would be measured.

    He charged the Commission to be neutral so as to guarantee free and fair elections.

    Lindner noted that Nigeria being the economic power house of Africa with over 200 million people, Germany and the rest of the world are interested in the political stability of the country.

    He stated that whatever happens in Nigeria negatively has repercussion for the whole world and promised support to the nation’s electoral process.

    He said: “Nigeria is the biggest country in Africa; it is the economic power house.  It has 200 million people.  It has the dimension of Germany and France together. That is how big you are. You are heavy weight giant in the continent.

    What ever happened in Nigeria has very important repercussion on the rest of the continent and I will say on the rest of the world because Nigeria is a very important country seating on a lot of wealth, oil and natural resources.

    “So the way we handle public stability, political stability and economic challenges will be closely watched anywhere, everywhere in the world.

    “You have important elections coming up. Last election has been an example in the continent and also around the globe, for how you do political transition peacefully.

    “2015 is in the back of every politician mind around the world. So the standard is there. Of course you will be measured against the standard, wether the same, I will not say transition because it depend on the outcome of the election, but the same peacefulness will reign in Feb. and you have very important role to play there.

    “If things go well people take it for granted that is an easy election. Things are a bite more tense, people look at you; that is where you coming into the game and you have to be the guarantor of free and fair credible elections. “He later told journalists that “After good talks with the chairman I must say we left the country with a lot of confidence and this will be the case.

    “This electoral commission is in good hands; nevertheless it is always good to see what is coming up as challenges. We can predict what is happening and sure whatever happens your skill will guide your colleagues through in times to come.”

  • 2019: INEC seeks new approach to deployment of security personnel

    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has stated his desire to have a new approach to deployment of security personnel for the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

    The electoral body is scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for 16th February, while that of states is scheduled for 2nd of March 2019.

    Yakubu who expressed his displeasure to the previous uncoordinated approach, which makes it looks as if the security agencies are running a parallel arrangement with the commission.

    Consequently, in the forthcoming general polls, he said the armed forces will only be used for the securing of the distribution and delivery of election materials and protection of election officials.

    The INEC boss also posited that the police force will be playing the leading role while other security agencies play supportive role.

    Yakubu who backed his stand with the provision of the Electoral law,  said the security architecture for the 2019 elections must be consistent with section 29 subsection 3.

    He spoke on Wednesday during the Regular Consultative meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES). ICCES consist of all the security agencies and INEC. The committee over sees the security of both personnel and materials during and after elections. It is co-chair by the chair of the commission and the National Security Adviser.

    Yakubu who informed the various representatives of the security agencies of the INEC level of preparedness ahead of the 2019 election said the meeting shall discuss modalities for actualizing the provision of the law as it relates to deployment of security personnel.

    Read Also: 2019: 84.004m eligible to vote, says INEC

    He said, “Learning from the experience of some the 195 off season elections conducted since 2015, it is pertinent to draw our attention to the need for a different approach to the deployment of security forces during elections. The Nigeria Police Force remains the lead agency for election security . Other security agencies will play a supportive role to the Nigeria police.

    “However, we need a new security architecture for 2019 consistent with the provision of section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) which provides as follows:  “Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law and for the purposes of securing the vote, the commission shall be responsible for requesting for the deployment of relevant security personnel necessary for elections or registration of voters and shall assign them in a manner to be determined by the commission in consultation with the relevant security agencies.

    “Provided that the commission shall only request for the deployment of the Nigerian Armed Forces only for the purposes of securing the distribution and delivery of election materials and protection of election officials.

    “Accordingly, this meeting shall discuss modalities for actualizing the provision of the law. In particular, we are committed to ensuring that elections are organised a such a manner that the security agencies are not perceived to be running parallel arrangement with INEC. Rather, it should strictly be INEC’s plan for the election that should be implemented.

    This meeting, he therefore said ” is convened primarily to update members of the ICCES on our preparations for the 2019 General Elections. It is also an opportunity to hear from the security agencies on your preparations so far.”

  • INEC registers 1.4 million voters in Kwara

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says it has registered a total of 1, 407, 335 voters in Kwara ahead of the 2019 general election.

    INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Malam Garba Madami made this known on Wednesday in Ilorin in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    He said a total of 1, 303, 870 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) have been collected by their owners, leaving less than 100, 000 PVCs yet to be collected.

    Madami expressed satisfaction with the level of collection of the PVCs, expressing optimism that before the election, all the remaining PVCs would have been collected by their owners.

    “I am very happy and glad with the PVCs collection, before December, we had over 300, 000 uncollected, but we have less than 100, 000 now.

    “I am very confident that before first week of February, every registered person in the state will have collected his or her PVC,” the REC added.

    Madami added that INEC was ready and prepared for the 2019 general election, adding that it had inaugurated five committees for the smooth prosecution of the election in the state.

    Read Also: 2019: 84.004m eligible to vote, says INEC

    “I thank God that INEC has released fund to the state very early, so we don’t have any excuse not to be well prepared for the election.

    “All that is required of us is to strategies to ensure that we conduct free, fair, credible and acceptable election.

    “There is going to be training sessions particularly on the use of Card Readers, so that we can achieve 99.9 per cent perfection in the use of the machine because the election is going to count,” he said.

    He warned politicians that no form of illegality or fraud would be allowed during the election.

    “I have said it over and over, 2019 election will be the best election ever organised in the country,” the REC added.

    Madami therefore appealed to politicians in the state to stop heating up the polity and stop inciting the people.

    “The people should be wiser because politicians, anything they say, we should question and verify what they say because some of them are just heating up the polity,” he said.

    Madami also advised voters to be peaceful when voting and eschew violence during the election.

    NAN

     

  • INEC commends electorate over PVC collection in Zamfara

     

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Zamfara has commended the electorate over the collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Asma’u Maikudi gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gusau on Friday .

    Asmau said the electorate had so far collected 1,589,593 PVCs out of the 1,678,593 PVCs received from the commission’s headquarters, adding that 89,124 PVCs were yet to be collected.

    She said the electorate deserved commendation in spite of the security challenges in the state.

    Read Also:Army neutralises Boko Haram insurgents in Yobe

     

    She said INEC was optimistic that more of the PVCs would have been collected if not for the activities of bandits, who displaced many from their homes.

    The REC said that voters who were yet to collect theirs could do so on or before Feb. 8 at the commission’s office in any local government nearest to them.

    She appealed to voters to personally collect their PVCs because collection of PVC by proxy was not allowed.

     

  • INEC to politicians: we don’t need your help on logistics

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday warned politicians and political parties in Bayelsa State against volunteering any logistical support to the commission.

    INEC insisted that it had made adequate arrangements for the forthcoming general elections and would not accept any help from politicians.

    Speaking in Yenagoa, the state capital, the Bayelsa Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Cyril Omorogbe, also warned politicians, party supporters and political parties against violence.

    He said the commission would not tolerate hijack of electoral materials,   logistics intervention and sponsoring of political thugs to frustrate the electoral process.

    Omorogbe said INEC would deal with miscreants, hoodlums, political thugs and their sponsors.

    “INEC is ready to drag any desperate politician through the mud if found wanting”, he said adding that the commission was prepared for free and fair elections.

    Read Also: 2019: INEC presents voters’ register to political parties

    On the commission’s logistics preparedness, he noted that arrangements had been made with different transport companies and more plans were still ongoing insisting that politicians must keep off from all the arrangements.

    He said: “We don’t expect any politician to lay hands, render assistance or interfere with issues of logistics. Anyone caught handling materials that they are not expected to handle will be arrested. Their jobs are not to handle our materials”.

    Speaking on the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), the REC said the commission distributed 108,520 out of the 295,318 received from the National Secretariat.

    He, however, said that 186,798 about 40 per cent of the PVCs were uncollected in the state.

    He promised to achieve 90 per cent distribution of PVCs with the new ward-to-ward strategy put in place by the commission.

    Omorogbe said the commission had also commenced training of ad-hoc employees for the elections.

    Also speaking, the Administrative Secretary, INEC, Mr.  Lebari Sampson Nduh, assured the people of the state of the commission’s commitment to conduct a free, fair, credible and transparent elections in the state.

    He called on the residents to own the process and resist every form of intimidation and rigging.

    He warned against youths being used as political thugs in formenting violence in the state and warned hoodlums to stay away from the process.