By Noah Ocheni Lokoja
The chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu on Friday in Lokoja said 1, 833, 160 voters who collected their permanent voters’ cards are expected to vote in the off-cycle governorship election in Kogi state.
Prof. Yakubu who disclosed this in a message through the Kogi Resident Electoral Commission , Dr. Gabriel Longpet enjoined officials and ad-hoc staff to demonstrate the highest level of patriotism and professionalism throughout the election period.
He pointed out that “INEC is not a political party and have no candidate in the election. Our responsibility is to safeguard the process and ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.”
The chairman further disclosed that Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) have been configured for deployment to polling units as the only means of voter verification and fingerprint/facial biometric authentication of voters.
He said Polling unit results will be uploaded to the INEC Results viewing (IReV) portal adding that arrangement have been made for land and maritime transportation to enable officials commence voting on schedule.
Prof. Yakubu disclosed that the commission is deploying two national commissioners, Nine Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and administrative secretaries to each of the three senatorial districts in Kogi state.
Fielding questions from journalists, REC Longpet warned both staff and ad-hoc to be disciplined in their conduct devoid of compromise adding that any of the officials that falls victim would be prosecuted.
“We will continue to ensure free, fair and credible and inclusive elections but INEC cannot do it alone”.
