The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it’s prepared logistically and otherwise for the governorship election in Osun State.
INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, who gave the assurance, said the commission would ensure free and fair poll in the state.
He also said security and anti-corruption agencies have been put on red alert to check the incidences of vote-buying that characterized the Ekiti governorship election.
He said, “The commission is deploying a readiness assessment team to Osun State next week to assess our preparations for the elections. We will visit some of our local government (areas) offices in the state, hold meetings with our staff, brief the Council of Traditional Rulers to solicit the support of their Royal Majesties for peaceful elections, and meet with the security agencies and transporters.
“We will also observe the mock accreditation of voters in some polling units across the three senatorial districts of the state to test the functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System.
“A few days to the election, we will return to Osun State to meet with the stakeholders and for the signing of the Peace Accord by political parties and candidates under the auspices of the National Peace Committee.”
The INEC boss added, “Arising from the experience of the recent Ekiti State governorship election, the commission is keeping a close watch on the security situation in Osun State. Although it is generally calm at the moment, we are nevertheless concerned about reports of clashes in some places.
“In one recent example, the collection of Permanent Voter Cards was disrupted in Erin Oke and Erin Ijesha Wards of Oriade Local Government Area, resulting in the loss of 46 PVCs. While the matter is being investigated by the police, the collection of PVCs for the affected Wards is now taking place in the INEC office in Ijebu-Jesha.
“Meanwhile, the state office has compiled the Voter Identification Numbers of the cards and the commission has already reprinted the PVCs for the affected voters.
“I would like to assure all valid registrants in Osun State that no one will be disenfranchised on account of such incident. It is futile for anyone to attempt to vote using another person’s PVC. The BVAS biometric accreditation will expose such fraud and persons apprehended will be prosecuted under the law.”
