The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State commenced the distribution of sensitive materials on Wednesday, in preparation for the upcoming by-election in the Akoko North-East and Akoko North-West federal constituency.
The by-election is scheduled to take place on February 3.
The by-election was necessitated by the vacancy created in the Akoko North-East and Akoko North-West Federal constituency after President Bola Tinubu appointed Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the former occupant of the position, as a minister.
Representatives of the eight political parties participating in the election, along with security agencies such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Department of State Services (DSS), were present at the INEC office in Akure, where the distribution took place.
Prof. Kunle Ajayi, the INEC National Commissioner overseeing Osun, Ogun, and Ondo, supervised the distribution exercise.
He emphasized that the distribution of ballot papers was a demonstration of the commission’s readiness for the by-election. Ajayi assured that INEC would maintain transparency during the election and urged political parties to avoid violence on the election day.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all wards and polling units receive the necessary materials for the election, stating, “The sensitive materials will be moved to the two local government councils on Thursday with the help of security agencies.”
Ajayi reiterated INEC’s commitment to conducting a free and fair election, emphasizing the commission’s neutrality.
He stated, “We want people to have confidence in INEC’s conduct of a free and fair election because we don’t have any political party, we don’t have any candidate, and we are neutral in everything that we are doing.”
The distribution of sensitive materials marks a crucial step in the preparations for the by-election, as INEC strives to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process in the Akoko North-East and Akoko North-West federal constituency.
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