2023 election: We are fully prepared – INEC

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has restated its readiness to conduct a free, fair and credible presidential, National Assembly and state houses of assembly elections.

 

The electoral body through its National Commissioner for Osun, Ondo and Ogun states, Prof Kunle Ajayi stated at a stakeholders meeting on Thursday in Osogbo.

 

Ajayi revealed that all the materials to be used for the election are ready except for the sensitive materials which according to him, are in the custody of the Central Bank of Nigeria and will be made available hours before the election.

 

The INEC commissioner enjoined all stakeholders to sensitise members of the public to adhere to the electoral procedures during the election process to ensure a successful election.

 

In his address, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, said that the 3,763 polling units, 332 wards and 30 local government areas in Osun State have been mapped towards the election.

 

Agboke also explained that 1,954,800 accredited voters have been recorded.

 

He added that 16,174 adhoc staff, which included, presiding officers, assistant presiding officers, collation and returning officers have been trained to ensure a smooth electoral process.

 

He also stressed that people with disabilities, pregnant women and nursing mothers will be promptly attended to.

 

He warned the electorate not to be involved in any electoral malpractice as this will automatically result in jail term for anyone found guilty.

 

The Osun State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Kehinde Longe advised the stakeholders to read and master electoral laws as ignorance would not be accepted as an excuse for any crime committed.

 

The director of the National Youth Service Corp in the state, Abdulwahab Olayinka, appealed to all stakeholders to allow trained corps members to do their job without fear or intimidation.