By Anthony Ojo.
Ahead of Saturday’s election, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has distributed sensitive materials for the poll to the sixteen local governments in Ekiti State.
The materials were distributed in the presence of stakeholders including security agents and party representatives.
During the distribution of the materials held at the CBN, Ado-Ekiti, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the State, Professor Ayobami Salami said the early distribution was to avoid lateness of the materials to the polling units on election day.
He pointed out that everything needed for the smooth conduct of the poll were ready, saying the election would hold as scheduled, as against rumours in some quarters that it would be postponed.
The REC reassured Nigerians that their votes would count, calling on them to come out to exercise their franchise during the election.
Speaking on behalf of other political parties, the Chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC in Ekiti State, Mr. Owoola Daramola expressed satisfaction with the distribution process of the materials and expressed optimism that the election would be transparent.
Earlier during a briefing of Observer groups that will participate in the election in Ekiti State, Professor Salami urged them to be transparent, neutral and avoid partisanship in the discharge of their duties.
He told them not to be judgemental in their reports, saying the legitimacy of the 2023 elections could be affected by their reports, hence they must be factual while giving the reports.
“We expect a final report that will guide us in future elections and the report should look at the entire electoral process, rather than concentrating only on the proceedings of just one day”.
In a remark, the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr Moronkeji Adesina said the Police in conjunction with other security agencies in the state had prepared to ensure safety of voters during the polls.
Represented by Mr Olu-Victor Babayemi, the Commissioner of Police noted that a control centre had been created where observations and complaints could be forwarded for quick response.
