Controversy yesterday trailed the arrest of a middle-aged man by men of the Nigeria Police at Ondo, in Ondo West local government area of the state for being in possession of over 1,000 voter's cards.
While the opposition political parties were of the opinion that the cards were to be used to manipulate the October 20 governorship election in the state, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said the unused voter's cards would have no impact on the outcome of the election.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) through its Publicity Secretary, Mr Wale Ozogoro, has alleged that the man arrested, Mr Olaolu Oladapo was a member of the ruling Labour Party(LP) and he planned to use it to rig the forthcoming election.
Ozogoro in his statement said "The party, therefore, wants to warn that this act intended to subvert the resolve of Ondo people must not be swept under the carpet by concerned security operatives. The people involved must be properly investigated along with their sponsors and brought to book."
But the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Akin Orebiyi denied the allegation that already thumb printed ballot papers were found in the custody of the arrested man. He, however, confirmed the arrest of a man in possession of voter's cards, which he said were got from an INEC junior staff engaged as security man.
Orebiyi said "save for the voter's cards and some campaign materials of two of the political parties contesting the October 20, 2012 governorship election in Ondo State, noother electoral materials were found in the possession of the suspects. For the purpose of emphasis, no ballot papers were found."
Orebiyi said preliminary investigation by the commission indicated that some people did not collect their voter's cards after the registration exercise of 2011. He said the unclaimed cards were in the custody of the Electoral Officers, who are the duly authorized officials to release same to the claimants whomust collect in person.
According to him, collection by proxy is prohibited and it is not the security's man duties to handle or distribute.
Orebiyi said "the commission is determined to get to the bottom of this matter and is working closely with the Police authorities to unravel it. It is its intention to vigorously pursue the investigation and ensure a robust,timely prosecution of all involved, including itsstaff, in consonance with its resolve to prosecute all electoral offenders, regardless of their status, party affiliation or relationships."
Orebiyi said the purchase or unauthorized acquisition of voter's cards by desperate politicians would be to no avail as they would not be able to use it for election.
The REC commended the Police and other security agencies for their diligence in the arrest of the culprits, adding that the commission would cooperate with them in ensuring free and fair election in the forthcoming election.
these are the people corrupting our electoral system
this case has to be well dealt with for justice to prevail