INEC boss Yakubu says Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi gubers are ready

A new update on the level of preparation for the off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States has been given by Prof. Yakubu Mahmoud, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In just one day, 5,169,692 Nigerians who obtained Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) in the impacted states will be making their way to their respective polling places to choose their new governors.

The head of INEC stated that this is the first time in Nigerian history that elections are being held simultaneously in all three of the nation’s geopolitical zones: North Central (Kogi), South East (Imo), and South-South (Bayelsa).

He emphasized that the Commission is not a political party and does not have a candidate in the election, and he called on all INEC employees, regular and ad hoc, to exhibit the utmost professionalism and patriotism.

He signed the statement himself. “Our responsibility is to safeguard the process and ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates,” he stated.

“Voters have the sole authority to choose the next governor of the states of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi.”

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“We have provided all election-related materials, both sensitive and not. The only method available for voter verification and fingerprint/facial biometric authentication at polling places is the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

The INC Result Viewing (IRe) portal will host the Polling Unit results once they are uploaded. All election officials have received training.

In order for us to start voting on time, plans have been made for both land and sea transportation. We are resolved to make sure that our officials are there waiting for voters, rather than the voters waiting for our arrival, despite the very challenging topography and specific physical infrastructure.

“To support the process for these off-cycle elections, the Commission is sending two National Commissioners, nine (REC) Resident Electoral Commissioners, Administrative Secretaries (ASs), and additional staff from various states to each of the three states. They will be placed in each of the US senatorial districts.

“Many stakeholders have a responsibility in elections. The most recent election has taught us lessons, as it always does. While INEC cannot accomplish this on its own, we will keep working to guarantee free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections.

“The security services have guaranteed us that the atmosphere for voting and all those involved—voters, election officials, accredited observers, the media, and polling and collection agents—will be safe.

Under the direction of the National Peace Committee (NPC), candidates and political parties have signed the peace agreement. Let’s keep the peace and do our parts with diligence. We will keep strengthening our democracy by doing this.